The Missions and Ministries Commission on the recommendation of the Mission Working Group is pleased to announce the 2026 Innovation Grant awardees. These grantees represent a diverse range of ministries focused on community transformation, spiritual growth, leadership development, and relational outreach across the Synod of the Northeast.
These ministries serve a wide variety of populations—including young adults, immigrant communities, families, incarcerated individuals, underserved youth, and those experiencing food insecurity, grief, loneliness, or social disconnection, through innovative programs centered on faith, justice, healing, music, arts, mentorship, and community engagement.
Collectively, the Synod invested $140,000 in programs that reflect a shared commitment to reimagining the Church as a welcoming, Spirit-led presence that builds connection, dignity, hope, and long-term sustainability within the communities they serve.
The 2026 innovation Grant recipients are listed below by their Presbytery:
ALBANY:
New Breath Spirituality Center Grant Award $5,000
New Breath Spirituality Center provides an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals can deepen their spiritual lives through prayer, meditation, retreats, and reflection. The ministry seeks to make spiritual formation more accessible while building a supportive and diverse spiritual community.
COASTLANDS:
Innovative Young Adult Ministry Initiative Grant Award: $10,000 Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church
This initiative seeks to reconnect spiritually curious young adults with faith communities through relevant programming, leadership opportunities, and authentic relationships. The ministry creates flexible pathways into church life that emphasize belonging, service, and meaningful engagement with the world around them.
UKirk Ewings Young Adult Sunday Worship (YASS) Grant Award $5,000 Princeton Presbyterians of the Westminster Foundation
YASS creates an inclusive worshipping community for young adults centered around worship, meals, conversation, and authentic connection. Through collaboration between campus ministry and local congregations, the initiative addresses isolation while fostering spiritual growth and leadership development among young adults.
HUDSON RIVER
Transformations Online Community Portal Grant Award $7,500 Connect Faith
Transformations is a digital spiritual community offering healing, reflection, and connection for caregivers, healthcare workers, and individuals experiencing grief or emotional strain. Through online meditation, music, and spiritual practices, the ministry expands access to care for those unable to participate in traditional in-person settings.
Well-Being Trauma-Informed Personal Empowerment (Year 2) Grant Award $15,000 Interfaith Prison Fellowship
This trauma-informed ministry equips participants—particularly those impacted by incarceration or trauma—with tools for healing, leadership, and reintegration. By training participants as peer facilitators, the program creates sustainable support networks and empowers individuals toward emotional wellness and community leadership.
NEW YORK CITY
Bronx First Faith in Action Initiative Grant Award $7,500
The Bronx First Faith in Action Initiative equips congregations and lay leaders to engage community challenges such as housing instability, food insecurity, and economic inequality through faith-based organizing. Through leadership development, listening campaigns, and coalition partnerships, the initiative empowers churches to pursue systemic change rooted in faith and relationship-building.
Renewing Fatherhood Grant Award $10,000 First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica
Renewing Fatherhood equips fathers to become more engaged, spiritually grounded, and connected parents through supportive cohorts and shared learning experiences. The ministry strengthens family relationships and creates supportive peer networks that positively impact families and communities.
Immersive Music Experience (Year 2) Grant Award $10,000 Bedford Central–First Brooklyn Presbyterian Church
The Immersive Music Experience uses music and cultural events to connect individuals with community resources, healing, and relational support. By combining artistic expression with outreach services, the ministry creates pathways toward holistic care, community cohesion, and expanded access to essential support systems.
Cook and Eat (Year 2) Grant Award $15,000 Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church
Cook and Eat uses food and shared meals to preserve culture, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and build community among immigrant and diaspora populations. Centered especially within Ghanaian and African diaspora communities, the ministry creates belonging and connection through storytelling, hospitality, and culinary traditions.
NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY
Christmas Labyrinth Grant Award $10,000 First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell
The Christmas Labyrinth creates an immersive and reflective Advent experience that invites participants to reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas. Through storytelling, visual elements, and intentional space design, the ministry fosters spiritual reflection and community outreach beyond the church walls.
Elizabeth Pipeline for Success Grant Award $10,000 Restore Ministries, Inc.
Elizabeth Pipeline for Success provides long-term mentorship, education, and leadership development for underserved youth facing economic and systemic challenges. The initiative seeks to break cycles of poverty by guiding young people from early education into adulthood with continuity of care and support.
Roseville – Vision2Victory Grant Award $10,000 Roseville Presbyterian Church
Roseville Vision2Victory reimagines church property and ministry as a center for intergenerational community transformation and leadership development. Serving marginalized populations in Newark, the initiative combines worship, service, and community partnerships to create sustainable impact and expanded access to resources.
Glo Girls Empowerment Club (Year 2) Grant Award $5,000 Institute of Music for Children
Glo Girls is a leadership and mentorship program serving middle and high school girls by helping them grow in confidence, leadership, and life skills. Through mentorship, community engagement, and holistic support, the ministry empowers young women to thrive personally and academically.
SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
The Hive Grant Award $10,000 First Presbyterian Church of Hartford
The Hive, a ministry of the First Presbyterian Church of Hartford, transforms church space into a collaborative hub where organizations and individuals share resources and address community needs. Initiatives like a free-market model promote dignity, access, and collective impact.
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
Reconnecting Community: Uniting Through Arts and Music Grant Award $10,000 Memorial Presbyterian Church of Wenonah
This ministry combats loneliness and social disconnection by transforming church space into a welcoming center for music, arts, coffeehouse gatherings, and community relationships. Through creative expression and shared leadership, the initiative creates low-barrier opportunities for belonging, collaboration, and spiritual connection.
