Atlanta-based Focused Community Strategies has been awarded a $1 million grant by Lilly Endowment Inc. to support The Lupton Center’s expansion of City Shapers, according to a press release.
With these funds, FCS will launch City Shapers, a place-based, cohort program that invites churches and organizations into a two-year process of discovery, collaboration, and innovation, in 12 cities over the next five years.
As a participant, City Shapers will equip participants to understand their community in ways that will lead to holistic and effective engagement.
When it comes to missional engagement, most churches have an abundance of compassion for their neighbors but lack connections with them. Likewise, community development organizations can struggle to demonstrate impact. City Shapers aims to change that. The program has been uniquely designed for those who are working to change the way poverty alleviation programs are designed and delivered.
The aim of Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative is to strengthen congregations so they can help people deepen their relationships with God, build strong relationships with each other, and contribute to the flourishing of local communities and the world.
Information: www.fcsministries.org
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