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250 churches could still get CONNECT! computer grants

December, 2000

More than 50 Massachusetts Conference churches have received grants totaling over $45,000 to help them get the computer hardware, software and training they need to get online.

Another 250 churches are eligible for grants through the CONNECT! program. All grant applications for the first phase of the program must be received by Jan. 31, 2001.

“We are excited at the number of churches that are venturing on to the Internet through this program,” said Tiffany Vail, Associate for Communication and Communication Technology. “But at the same time, we would like to see many more take advantage of this opportunity.”

The responses of churches to the program have been varied, Vail said.

“Some pastors have told me their churches don’t feel comfortable applying for a grant because they didn’t contribute to The Gift and The Promise, which is providing the funds for this,” Vail said. “Others feel the opposite — they contributed, but didn’t expect to get money back from the campaign.”

Still other churches have questioned whether they should apply for a grant when their churches have the financial capability to buy a computer.

“My answer to all these churches is that they should go ahead and apply,” Vail said. “An electronic network connecting the churches will only be effective if the majority of churches are a part of it. The more churches participate, the better it is for everyone.”

Through CONNECT!, churches that have no computer or have only an outdated computer can get a $1,000 grant for the purchase of a new one. Churches that already have a newer computer can get $100 grants for modems and Web site software. And any eligible church can get up to $300 for training, such as a vocational school class, a seminar at a computer store, an on-line tutorial or a CD-ROM.