Holston Foundation Announces $220,000 in Grants
for Those on the Margins

Henri Nouwen wrote, “Those who need money and those who can give money meet on the common ground of God’s love.” The Holston Foundation proudly announces $220,000 in support for those living on the margins through ministries across the Holston Conference and beyond. The selected organizations and ministries are in ministry to be the “hands and feet of Jesus” to the poor, the addicted, the elderly, and the vulnerable.

Helene Flood Relief Grants

The Holston Foundation seeks to be part of the recovery and relief efforts from Hurricane Helene. So far, we have partnered with Resurrection to increase the impact of the youth and leaders’ offering through a matching grant. The offering now totals over $15,000 for Holston flood relief. The Holston Foundation has created a special grant opportunity for these funds to benefit churches and ministries working on Hurricane Helene recovery. Apply for Hurricane Helene Emergency Grants Here

Camp in the Community

Testimonial:
A Gift That Drives Our Mission Forward from Whitney Winston, Executive Director of Camp in the Community

We are deeply grateful to the Holston Foundation for the generous gift that allowed us to purchase a reliable van for Camp in the Community. This incredible blessing couldn’t have come at a better time. For years, we relied on older, high-mileage vehicles to transport staff and supplies to the communities we serve. Constant mechanical issues meant we were spending precious time and resources on repairs—time and money that could have been better spent investing in our mission.

Now, with this new van, we are equipped to move forward with confidence and excitement as we prepare for the upcoming summer season. This year, we will serve 24 communities, partner with more than 60 churches, and offer free camp to over 1,200 children. The van will allow us to transport staff and supplies efficiently, ensuring smoother operations and enabling us to focus on what matters most—bringing the love of Christ to children and families in underserved areas.

This gift is about so much more than transportation. It’s an investment in the longevity of our ministry, helping us spend less time and money dealing with vehicle issues and more time creating life-changing camp experiences. It’s also a symbol of trust and dependability for the communities we work alongside. Families know they can count on us, and that trust is invaluable as we continue to build relationships and share God’s love.

Thanks to the Holston Foundation, we are better positioned than ever to fulfill our mission and expand God’s kingdom. We are filled with gratitude and can’t wait to see all that God has in store for this summer and beyond.

Bishop Mission Initiative, Alexander Memorial UMC
Bishop, VA, has a population of around 585, with many who struggle with poverty, hunger, and other challenges. The Bishop Mission Initiative serves as a community hub of resources for those in need. The Foundation‘s support will enable Alexander Memorial UMC to make necessary renovations so that the church can host overnight mission teams on-site, which will expand its mission and outreach.

DayBreak Dementia Respite, First UMC Maryville
DayBreak is a respite ministry serving individuals with dementia and their families who are caring for them. DayBreak, a ministry of First UMC Maryville held at the former Sycamore Tree UMC site, is a day center that offers worship and devotion, games, art and music therapy, pet visits, snacks, and social time. The Foundation funds will alleviate the financial burden of participation fees for those who cannot afford it.

Recovery at Powell, Powell UMC
Recovery at Powell is an outreach program focused on reaching those most in need and those who may feel farthest away and unworthy of God’s grace. The program provides a free hot meal once a week, followed by a recovery focused sermon and small groups. Powell UMC’s expanded program also provides pop-up events for outreach, support, resources, and food to those most in need within our community, including Tattoo Church, and setting up in the places where the need is the greatest outside the church building.

Grace, Grit, & Gratitude: The Program, First UMC Hillsville
The Program offers a safe place for individuals to come and receive recovery services, including job training, recovery meetings, treatment resources, peer support, and recovery coaching. Support from the Holston Foundation will help The Program establish a greater presence in the community, increase the service area, and help track its growth and progress.

Map to Recovery: From Incarceration to Opportunity and Faith in Action, Main Street UMC
Project 13Three works with the incarcerated and recently released, many of whom suffer from substance use disorders. The Holston Foundation‘s funds will support mapping and connecting the recovery resources in Tazewell County, VA. The connection will provide the opportunity for a summit to connect community partners and stakeholders in the vital work. The Faith in Action Initiative at Main Street UMC will explore additional opportunities to expand ministries to those on the margins by partnering and collaborating with those in the community and beyond doing the work to enhance communities in Southwest Virginia.

UMC Ministries in Romania
Through the grants to the marginalized, the Holston Foundation is supporting the ministry of the UMC abroad in Romania in Cluj-Napoca, a longtime partner of First Centenary UMC. The vital ministry of leadership training, faith, humanitarian aid, and more is headquartered in the Meeting Point Ministry/Hotel, which houses Asociatia Phoneo, the non-profit umbrella for the Romanian UMC, and is led by Rev. Rares Calugar. Support from the Foundation will enable continued ministry and increased security for their staff and faith community.