Hood Theological Seminary has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. as part of its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative, aimed at enhancing the vitality of ministries and strengthening leadership in rural churches across North Carolina.
The funding will support the seminary’s Institute for Ministry in Rural Areas and Small-Towns, designed to address current and future challenges Christian congregations face in less populated regions. Rev. Damita Wilder, program director, will oversee four key initiatives through the grant: a continuing education program and workshops, academic programs tailored for rural contexts, a funding center, and an information and referral center.
Dr. Vergel Lattimore, president of Hood Theological Seminary, expressed gratitude to Lilly Endowment for ”entrusting Hood to be a part of a focused effort to support the many rural and small-town churches and ministries in North Carolina its commitment to rural ministries.”
“Hood has a strong history of supporting churches and rural communities and looks forward to impacting these communities in a most positive manner,” he added.
Hood Theological Seminary joins 19 other organizations nationwide, including colleges, denominational agencies, and church networks, selected for their potential to respond effectively to the challenges faced by rural and small-town churches.
Christopher L. Coble, vice president for religion at Lilly Endowment, noted, “Our hope is that these grants will provide much needed resources and support to rural and small-town churches to help them address their challenges and enhance and extend the many ways that they serve their communities.”
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a philanthropic foundation based in Indianapolis, dedicated to community development, education, and religion, focusing on enhancing congregational vitality and leadership within diverse Christian traditions.