FAQ
Questions ● Answers
Got Questions?
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we've been asked about Lead Well's fundraising and the telethon. You can also explore this website to learn more.
What is the pastor grant fund?
When the PAW received the Lilly Endowment's economic challenges grant to launch the Lead Well program, there was a requirement to establish a grant fund that directly economically benefited pastors who participated in a comprehensive learning program. That fund is called the "Ministerial Excellence Fund."
While we must raise money for this fund, our funder has graciously offered to match every dollar we raise. So if we raise $100,000 for our pastors, it automatically becomes $200,000.
Why is the Lead Well program fundraising when it received a grant for over
$1 million last year?
As mentioned above, raising funds for PAW pastor grants is required by the funder. Every dime raised through this campaign will go directly* to the grant fund to help relieve the financial hardships PAW pastors face. The overall grant award includes the funder's match for the money we're trying to raise and all of the other Lead Well programming expenses, including the $300 scholarships given to PAW pastors who complete the Boot Camp.
Note: The majority of the funds funneling through the Lead Well program go directly to supporting pastors. *Minus standard third-party processing fees (e.g., credit card processing charges).
U.S. PAW pastors will be eligible for grants from this fund when they complete Lead Well's Comprehensive Learning Series (coming soon). The grants will be used to help alleviate PAW pastor debt (e.g., credit card, mortgage/rent, home/car repair, medical, school) and/or expenses related to financial hardships (e.g., housing assistance, relocation costs, disaster assistance, sudden illness).
PAW pastors will not directly receive the funds. The Ministerial Excellence Fund will directly pay their debtors. The amount a PAW pastor can receive depends on their application and the amount we're able to raise.
Note: Pastors who complete a Lead Well Boot Camp are eligible for a $300 mini scholarship - which is separate from the grants given through the Comprehensive Learning Series. The scholarships are budgeted for from the program expenses.
How do pastors benefit from the fund?
When I donate, are fees or other costs taken from my gift?
The PAW, including the Lead Well program, will NOT take any expenses or fees from your gift. These funds are only for pastor grants. All of Lead Well's program expenses are covered by Lilly Endowment's economic challenges grant. However, there are standard third-party processing fees that will be deducted (such as credit card processing fees, which average around 2.9%).
How long is this program?
Lead Well is scheduled to operate its programming through early/mid 2027. Grants will be available to PAW pastors as long as funds are available.
Coming Soon
You'll be able to contact your cohort and PAW pastors in other cohorts with this search feature.
And while our promotions will be focused on the latest cohort, your profile will always be public and grouped by your cohort at: https://leadwellpaw.org/lead-well-learners#learners.