The Synod Endowment Fund for Vital Leaders was established in 2000 by the Eastern North Dakota Synod Council to sustain rural ministry and enhance quality pastoral leadership. The fund is intended to maintain viable ministries and sustain congregations in rural eastern ND for years to come.
Grants are available through the ministry of the Eastern North Dakota Synod Endowment Fund. The purpose of this fund is to recruit and retain strong pastoral leadership in Eastern North Dakota. These grants are a way for the synod to provide care for Rostered Ministers in our synod who faithfully contribute to the work we do together as a synod.
To maintain a healthy culture in Eastern North Dakota Synod, it is expected that Rostered Ministers faithfully participate in synod assembly, fall theological conference, and complete boundaries training every three years. Grants may be denied to leaders who've not met this expectation.
Debt Repayment Grant
This grant was established to help relieve rostered ministers of student loan debt. The grant amount is a percentage of what is paid by the rostered minister over the course of the year. The percentage paid by the endowment fund increases with each year of service in Eastern ND, up to 6 years.
Pension Equity Grant
A grand to assist those who may be compensated under synod guidelines to ensure that their pension is not compromised as a result of accepting a call under guidelines.
Grant applications are accepted each year, Jan-April 30th
The last Sunday of every September is designated as Synod Endowment Sunday - encourage your church to take a special offering!
If you would like to support this ministry, please send your check (payable to EaND Synod Endowment Fund) to
Eastern ND Synod
PO Box 2019
Fargo, ND 58107
Any questions can be directed to endowment@eandsynod.org