This grant program is available to qualified candidates preparing for certification as educators in pastoral care and counseling ministries.
Guidelines and Requirements
ELCA Educational Grants are available to qualified candidates preparing for certification as educators in pastoral care and counseling ministries. Eligible applicants include those preparing to become CPE Supervisors (SIT), Pastoral Counseling Educators, and other certified clinical ministry educators. Applicants must be ecclesiastically endorsed or in the process of seeking Ministries in Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling, and Clinical Education (MCPCCE) endorsement, and all training positions/programs must comply with Inter-Lutheran Coordinating Committee ILCC document 'Ministries in Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling and Clinical Education Endorsement Standards and Procedures, Call Criteria, and Program Guidelines (2006 Edition).
Application is made to Ministries in Chaplaincy, Pastoral Counseling and Clinical Education (MCPCCE), ELCA Vocation and Education unit. Grants will be determined on the basis of need and current availability of funds. Grants are limited to $3,000 per individual per year, and may be considered for yearly renewal, pending reapplication and evidence of satisfactory progress toward certification.
Basic Requirements
- Roster Standing: Applicants must be in good standing on the roster, or be eligible for roster standing.
- Submission of Materials: Applicants must submit ALL materials (outlined in Grant Application Form) in good order and in timely fashion. Financial need must be CLEARLY demonstrated and documented.
- Candidates may be required to submit additional application materials and/or letters of reference, as determined by the Office of MCPCCE in the Vocation & Education Unit.
Download the Clinical Educator Scholarship Application Form 
Download the MCPCCE Personal Data Form
"Give Something Back" Scholarship
The "Give Something Back" endowment fund was initiated in 1992 with funds donated by persons serving in ministries of chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, clinical education, and by others who are supportive of these ministries. In 2003, Lutheran Chaplaincy Auxiliary of St. Paul, Minnesota, contributed their assets to the endowment fund as a way of continuing their eighty-year support of chaplaincy ministry. Ongoing gifts to the fund serve as an opportunity to give back in gratitude for the blessings that have been received from education and services in specialized ministries.
The endowment makes a limited number of awards available to individuals seeking ecclesiastical endorsement and certification/credentialing in ministries of chaplaincy, pastoral counseling and clinical education.
Application deadlines are February 15th and August 15th with awards made in April and November. You may download the necessary application forms below.
Download the “Give Something Back” Scholarship Form
Download the "Give Something Back Financial Data Form