Innovation Fund
What is the Innovation Fund?
The Innovation Fund exists to spark fresh ideas and support creative ministry initiatives that help spread the gospel, engage communities, and make disciples across the South Pacific. We believe the Holy Spirit inspires innovation—and we want to invest in that inspiration.
Whether you’re a pastor, member, or ministry team of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the South Pacific Division, if you have a bold idea that could transform lives and grow God’s kingdom, we want to hear from you.
Who can apply?
Anyone in the Adventist Church community—leaders, teams, individuals, or ministries—can apply. If your project aligns with our mission and values, you’re encouraged to submit a proposal.
What we’re looking for
To be considered for funding, projects must:
Align with our mission to make disciples and proclaim the gospel
The project should clearly align with the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, particularly in promoting discipleship, community engagement, and spreading the gospel.
Demonstrate innovation using creative methods or technologies not widely used in our churches
The project should demonstrate a novel approach to ministry, using creative methods or technologies that have not been widely adopted within the church.
Aim for high impact with clear goals and outcomes
The project should have the potential to significantly impact the church community or broader society for the glory of God. This could include measurable outcomes such as increased engagement, new member growth, or enhanced community service.
Show potential to scale or inspire others
Ideally the project should be scalable, meaning it can be expanded or adapted for use in other regions.
Have a sustainability plan beyond initial funding
The project should have a plan for long-term sustainability without ongoing funding from the innovation fund and other donors. This includes clear strategies for maintaining and growing the project.
Involve collaboration across churches, departments, or the community
Projects that involve collaboration between different churches, church departments, local communities, or other organisations are encouraged. Collaboration can enhance the reach and effectiveness of the project.
Engage the community in meaningful and measurable ways
Projects should actively involve the local community, seeking to meet real needs and encourage greater community participation in church activities.
Projects that can make an impact now, as well as projects that anticipate future needs
We’re looking for projects that make a difference today—and also help the church be ready for tomorrow. Some ideas meet an urgent need in your church or community. Others are bold experiments that test new models, tools, or strategies the church may need in the years ahead. Both are vital.
What is not funded?
The Innovation Fund does not cover:
- Routine purchases like livestream or A/V equipment (unless essential to a larger innovation)
- Construction or maintenance of buildings
- Projects lacking innovation, sustainability, or measurable impact
- Projects that should be covered by existing budgets or other funds
How to apply
- Download the application form
- Describe your idea—highlight what makes it innovative
- Explain your plan—who it helps, how it works, and why it matters
- Submit before the deadline
- Wait for feedback—our team will review and respond
Next deadline
Our next application deadline is 5pm Friday September 26, 2025. Don’t miss it—this is your chance to bring a fresh vision to life!
What happens after approval?
Approved projects will:
- Receive funding to help launch and grow
- Report progress every 6 months
- Share what worked and what didn’t to inspire others
Still have questions?
Check out these frequently-asked questions, or reach out—we’d love to help you refine your idea.
What is the purpose of the Innovation Fund?
The purpose of the Innovation Fund is to support and encourage innovative projects within the Adventist Church that align with our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ who live as His loving witnesses and proclaim to all people the everlasting gospel of the Three Angels’ Messages in preparation of His soon return. We aim to fund projects that introduce new, creative and effective approaches to ministry.
Who is eligible to apply to the Innovation Fund?
Any individual or group within the Adventist Church community, including church leaders, members, and affiliated organizations, are eligible to apply for the Innovation Fund.
What types of projects are eligible for funding?
Projects that demonstrate innovation, scalability, sustainability, and significant kingdom impact potential are eligible for funding. This includes initiatives that use creative methods or technologies to enhance ministry efforts, community service projects and community engagement.
What types of projects are not eligible for funding?
The Innovation Fund is not intended for the purchase of equipment used for streaming or audio/visual equipment that might be used in a church service or for projects that do not demonstrate a clear innovative approach. Projects that lack measurable goals, sustainability plans, or alignment with the church’s mission will not be considered. The fund does not cover the creation or maintenance of buildings.
Why does the Innovation Fund exclude the cost of A/V equipment?
The Innovation Fund aims to prioritise truly innovative projects that go beyond routine operational needs. While A/V equipment is important, funding these requests could quickly deplete the budget, leaving less room for projects with higher potential for significant impact. However, exceptions may be made if the equipment is integral to a broader, innovative initiative that aligns with the fund’s criteria that is outside the normal routine operational needs.
How can I apply for the Innovation Fund?
To apply for the Innovation Fund, you will need to complete an application form detailing your project proposal. Be sure to include information on the project’s goals, innovation aspects, impact potential, sustainability plan, and budget.
What is the application review process?
Applications are reviewed by a committee of church leaders and innovation experts. The review process considers the project’s alignment with our criteria, including innovation, impact potential, sustainability, scalability, and collaboration. Applicants will be contacted after the committee has met and reviewed their submission with any further questions and feedback. Note when the next funding submission deadline is.
How much funding can a project receive?
The amount of funding awarded varies depending on the scope and potential impact of the project. Each application will be evaluated on its merits, and the funding amount will be determined based on the project’s needs and the available budget. Previously funded Innovation Fund projects have received between $5,000 and $200,000.
What are the reporting requirements for funded projects?
Funded projects are required to submit six-monthly progress reports and a final report upon project completion. These reports should include updates on milestones achieved, outcomes, challenges faced, and lessons learned. Reporting helps ensure accountability and also allows us to share successful initiatives with the broader church community.
Can I reapply for funding if my project is not selected?
Yes, if your project is not selected, you are welcome to review the feedback provided by the review committee and refine your proposal to better align with the criteria, then reapply in the future.
Can previously funded projects apply for additional funding?
Yes, previously funded projects can apply for additional funding if they demonstrate significant progress and potential for further impact. The application should include detailed information on the achievements so far and the rationale for additional funding.
How does the Innovation Fund ensure fairness in the selection process?
The selection process is designed to be transparent and impartial. Applications are reviewed based on set criteria, and the review committee comprises diverse members to provide balanced perspectives. All applicants receive feedback to ensure clarity and understanding of the decisions made.
Criteria for Innovation Funding
- Alignment with Mission: The project should clearly align with the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, particularly in promoting discipleship, community engagement, and spreading the gospel.
- Innovative Approach: The project should demonstrate a novel approach to ministry, using creative methods or technologies that have not been widely adopted within the church.
- Impact Potential: The project should have the potential to significantly impact the church community or broader society for the glory of God. This could include measurable outcomes such as increased engagement, new member growth, or enhanced community service.
- Scalability: Ideally the project should be scalable, meaning it can be expanded or adapted for use in other regions.
- Sustainability: The project should have a plan for long-term sustainability without ongoing funding from the innovation fund and other donors. This includes clear strategies for maintaining and growing the project.
- Collaboration: Projects that involve collaboration between different churches, church departments, local communities, or other organizations are encouraged. Collaboration can enhance the reach and effectiveness of the project.
- Measurable Goals: Projects should have clear, measurable goals and objectives. These should include specific metrics for success and a plan for evaluating the impact of the project.
- Community Involvement: Projects should actively involve the local community, seeking to meet real needs and encourage greater community participation in church activities.