Manse Fund Grant Program

History of the Manse Fund Grant

In 2021, the manse of Stillwater Presbyterian Church was sold. A provision in the original 1892 deed required that the proceeds from any future sale be returned to the individuals who had contributed to the construction of the manse. Because locating living descendants of the more than thirty contributing families was not practical, the courts approved an alternative use of the funds.

As a result, the proceeds were placed in a fund dedicated to supporting clergy housing within the Presbytery of the Highlands. Each year, the Finance and Property Team determines the amount available for grants from this fund.

Matching Grants for Energy-Efficient Manse Improvements

The Presbytery of the Highlands invites congregations that maintain a manse to apply for matching grants to support energy-efficient improvements. Priority consideration will be given to congregations with fewer than 150 members.

Sessions may apply for a matching grant of up to $3,000 to help fund projects that improve the energy efficiency of a manse. Grants will be awarded by the Finance and Property Team based on available funding and the merits of each application.

Eligible projects may include:

• Energy-efficient appliances
• Replacement windows and doors
• High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems
• Insulation upgrades
• Other improvements that reduce energy consumption and operating costs

To qualify, the manse must be used, or intended for use, as housing for the pastor of the applying congregation. Congregations currently engaged in a pastoral search are also encouraged to apply.

Grant applications are available online and must be submitted by August 17.

We encourage congregations to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their clergy housing while reducing long-term energy costs. If you have questions about eligibility, proposed projects, or the application process, please contact Jeanne Radak at jbradak@highlandspresbyterynj.org.