By CBF Communications
ATLANTA, Ga.– Cooperative Baptist Fellowships (CBF) received a $1,000,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Hope After the Storm: Capacity Building for Faith-Based Disaster Relief Organizations.
With the grant, CBF will develop Disaster Ready Church Program, a comprehensive initiative to equip congregations across our network to serve as resilient community anchors and prepared responders within their own contexts and beyond.
The program operates at two levels:
- Technical Capacity Building through training, coaching and a congregation-based disaster response plan development, both internal and external
- Capacity Building through direct grants to congregations for readiness resources and equipment.
“As we embark on the Disaster Ready Church initiative, I am filled with hope and anticipation for the transformative impact this project will have in our communities,” said Laura Ayala, CBF Coordinator for Global Missions. “Churches are not just places of worship; they are vital lifelines, deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they serve. They understand the unique challenges their communities face and are trusted by the people. Through this funding, we aim to empower these congregations to enhance their resilience and readiness in times of crisis. Together, we can build a stronger, more prepared community where everyone feels supported and valued.”
The pilot project for this program officially began on April 1st, and in this initial phase, we have six churches actively participating in our eight steps process. These churches are conducting internal and external assessments to identifypotential threats and risks. They are also forming partnerships with other organizations and receiving crucial training to strengthen their preparedness. Each church will determine the specific type of ministry they wish to engage in and develop comprehensive plans and budgets to achieve those goals.
CBF is looking forward to formally initiating the program welcoming the churches this coming Fall as it continues to build a network of support and readiness.
The grant to CBF is one of 30 grants being awarded through Hope After the Storm, an initiative which aims to strengthen the capacity of faith-based organizations to provide aid to individuals and families affected by disasters in communities throughout the United States.
Lilly Endowment recognizes that faith-based organizations play a key role in providing disaster relief services in the United States. They also serve as important vehicles through which individuals and religious communities live out their faith and serve others by volunteering and giving funds and other resources to address the immediate needs of their neighbors.
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About Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
Led by the love of Christ, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship invites churches and individuals to partner in transforming God’s world, working together as a global community to spread good news, justice, and hope through impactful ministries, missions, and resources.
About Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.