The Unitarian Universalist Association plays a significant role in helping to provide congregations with the opportunity to call well-trained and highly qualified ministers. A strong internship experience is an extremely important component in the preparation process for the Unitarian Universalist ministry, and it’s one that would not be possible without the participation of our member congregations. Thank you for your commitment to supporting our future ministry through your intention to serve as an internship site!

For many congregations, adding a fair internship salary to the budget can be difficult in the first several years of becoming established as an internship site. The Ministerial Credentialing Office offers the Internship Salary Grant program to congregations in order to assist new internship sites in providing internship salaries during their first year or two. Since good ministerial internship sites are always in great demand, it is hoped that, following this initial assistance, your members will want to continue to support your internship program independently, thereby making it possible for your congregation to host interns in the years to come.

The grant program is open to congregations offering internships over one or two congregational years. Internships may take place within the context of a congregation, or they may be congregationally-based, but include a significant amount of ministry with an outside agency or institution (a maximum of 50% of the internship experience). Grants, however, will be made only to UU congregations.

An excellent internship site will provide opportunities to engage in anti-racism, anti-oppression and multiculturalism work. The Unitarian Universalist Association has committed to dismantling the legacy of white supremacy. Applicants that demonstrate active commitment to this effort will receive higher priority in the selection process.

Every year, the UUA receives more applications from congregations seeking funding than there are funds available, and not all requests can be funded. Grants will provide up to one half of the recommended minimum salary. More details are provided in the application form.

• Application Form