University Ministries: 37five

How It Works

Some of SPU's 5th Hill Men, awarded Fall 2007. See the 37five Photo Gallery.

Step One:

1. Join a small group or Cadre.
2. On-campus students: Talk with your SMC to get signed up for a small group.
3. Off-campus students: Email the Sharpen ministry (sharpen@spu.edu) for small-group options.

Step Two:

1. Participate in worship.
2. Within your small group or Cadre: Hold one another accountable to each attend at least 10 SPU worship gatherings each quarter. Eligible gatherings include Chapel, group, Friday morning Prayer and Communion, and Sunday Nights of Worship, which are occasionally offered by University Ministries.

Step Three: Submit a grant application

1. For each quarter that a small group or Cadre commits to meeting together and worshiping with the SPU community, that group is eligible to submit a grant application to have $375 donated to the nonprofit agency of the participants’ choice.
2. Need more information on your organization? Not sure where to find an organization that reflects your passions? Use this library tool to help your group research nonprofits OR give to an organization SPU already partners with through Urban Involvement.
3. For Spring Quarter 2008, grant applications may be submitted anytime between Friday, April 4, and Friday, May 23.
4. Tell your story! How has your involvement with your selected nonprofit agency changed you? How do you hope to change the world for the better? Inspire your fellow students, faculty, and staff members by sharing your experience in one of our community gatherings or publications.

Criteria: How will organizations be chosen?

To receive 37five funding, organizations must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a nonprofit organization (exceptions may be possible in the case of international organizations). A board made up of students, faculty, and staff (the 37five Decision Board) will direct the grants. The board will decide based on the following criteria, consistent with the work of the John Perkins Center and the Christian Community Development Association.  It is not expected that your organization will meet all of these criteria. Regardless of whether your application is chosen, each group that makes an application will be contacted personally by a 37five board member or University Ministries staff member.

Criteria:

• Incarnational Ministry
• The organization has a physical presence in and is in direct relationship with the community or individuals it serves.
• Reconciliation between God and people
• The organization encourages reconciliation of people to God through evangelism and proclamation of hope in Jesus Christ.
• The organization encourages reconciliation of individuals to each other, across barriers of race, social class, economic status, and gender.
• Just Use of Resources
• The organization promotes sharing of resources, skills and assets between those who have and those in need.
• Leadership Development
• The organization seeks to empower and develop indigenous leadership, utilizing the strengths and gifts of those already in the community.
• Listening to Community
• The organization seeks to address felt needs and goals identified and valued by those served.
• Church-Based
• The organization emphasizes the importance of the local church in nurturing and sustaining the growth and development of individuals and communities.
• Holistic Approach
• The organization’s approach to problem-solving considers root causes and pursues long-term solutions rather than simply providing band-aid solutions.
• Empowerment
• The organization seeks to develop the ability of the served, sharing power, authority and success with all participants.

Characteristics of Strong Applications

Additional value will be placed on applications that:

• Show strong commitment among group members to grow in Christian maturity.
• Show how community worship affected their group experience, e.g. conversations about speakers, finding unity through worshiping together, etc.
• Nominate organizations that demonstrate effective stewardship of resources.
• Demonstrate a relationship between the small group or Cadre and the organization.  Examples: group members sponsor a child, volunteer, plan to serve in the future, show connection with academic pursuits, pray and support the organization.
• Show evidence that the group researched the organization thoroughly.
• Demonstrate group initiative – collaboration with other groups, plans to combine 37five money with other donations; plans to develop a social venture project with the SPU School of Business, etc.
• Persuasively and thoughtfully describe why your small group or Cadre wants to give to the particular organization.