For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

Hershey Free Church’s mission in going beyond our walls has two areas of focus. The first is our global focus. We support missionaries and partnerships in countries around the world. Our Global Impact Fund for Transformation (GIFT), a donation-based fund, supports various distinct global projects throughout the year.

The second area is our local focus. You don’t have to board or cross a border to participate in God’s mission. Each one of us lives in a local community with opportunities to carry the gospel and light of Christ to those we interact. Our vision is for every person at Hershey Free to serve not just within the walls of the church, but to reach out to our community.

God has positioned the people of Hershey Free Church to be involved in many different community organizations throughout our region. We want to enable you to be agents of change and encourage you and the organizations that you support. We want to celebrate the involvement of our congregation as you serve in various organizations that seek the flourishing of our communities.

To that end, Hershey Free Church’s Local Impact Fund for Transformation (LIFT) awards grants to local, non-profit organizations where individuals or groups from Hershey Free actively serve. Grants will be awarded for $500 to these organizations if certain criteria are met, and funds are still available.

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LIFT Criteria

Organizations must:

• Be a local, registered 501(c)3 non-profit.
• Morally positive as well as being Christian faith-based or spiritually neutral.
• Seek the flourishing of the geographical area of the Hershey Free applicant.
• Not be political in nature.

Applicants must:

• Attend Hershey Free regularly and consider Hershey Free to be their home church.
• Be actively serving as a volunteer in the focus organization.

“Actively serving” is defined as the applicant volunteering on a regular, ongoing basis OR leading a group to volunteer together, and having given at least 20 hours of time to the organization in the 6-month period prior to the date of application. A group such as a Live/Love/Lead group can volunteer together to meet this criteria, e.g., a group of five volunteers four hours (5 x 4 = 20). An individual or group may make up to two applications per June 30 to July 1 fiscal year.

• The Hershey Free individual or group leader must complete an online application that includes a description of the organization and how he/she or the group has been personally involved.
• Must be willing to personally deliver the grant to the organization.

FAQS