What is The Shepherd’s Fund?
The Shepherd’s Fund was founded to help retired ministers and missionaries, and their spouses, by providing financial assistance when medical or other life-stage issues arise and create financial hardship.
How does it work?
Retired ministers or missionaries who are Gordon-Conwell or Gordon Divinity School graduates and are experiencing financial difficulty related to health care or other life-stage needs can apply. Assistance for direct and indirect medical expenses, including medical bills, travel, and related household expenses for the individual or family, may be requested from The Shepherd’s Fund. Other significant life-stage related needs may also be covered. These alumni may also apply for grants for their spouses with similar needs, and surviving spouses of deceased alumni pastors or missionaries may also apply. Applications may be submitted for a maximum of three years, and the lifetime maximum assistance available is $25,000 per individual ($50,000 per couple if both spouses need assistance).
Examples:
- A retired minister (or missionary) is undergoing out-of-state cancer treatments and can’t easily afford for their spouse to travel with them. This minister could apply to The Shepherd Fund for a grant to pay for travel and lodging for their spouse.
- A retired minister and spouse experience a major medical issue in the same year. The minister could apply for two separate grants.
- A widow or widower of a retired minister needs hearing aids, significant dental work, and follow-up appointments for more than one year. The surviving spouse can apply for an grant each year, as needed, up to a maximum of three years and $25,000.
- The Shepherd’s Fund is aware that medical and financial issues can be highly complicated and situational. Anyone who qualifies for a grant but might be facing a unique situation not specified above is still highly encouraged to apply. The committee will review requests on a case-by-case basis.
Do I Qualify?
Applicants for this grant must be:
- A graduate (or surviving spouse of a graduate) of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary or Gordon Divinity School
- Of retirement age and retired from ministry in good standing
- Have a financial need arising from a medical issue or other life-stage need.
The Process
- Apply to the grant through Gordon-Conwell using one of the application links below.
- Gordon-Conwell will send qualifying applications to The Shepherd’s Fund committee for review.
- Approved applications are referred to a specialist who will qualify the need and coordinate with the family.
- Qualified grants will be coordinated and distributed by the Shepherd’s Fund, most often directly to the payee (physician, hospital, utility, airline, etc.).
- Follow-up will be conducted to ensure that the grant has been delivered successfully and help with any needs or issues that arise.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the The Shepherd’s Fund at Gordon-Conwell, please contact our Alumni Office by email at [email protected] or by phone at (978) 646-4272.