GUIDELINES
for the use of funds generated by the sale of
IRMA SMITH HALL
Kansas Bible Chair, Inc.
Approved by Kansas Bible Chair Board, i.e., Executive Committee of the Christian Church in Kansas (Disciples of Christ) on October 19, 2006, Amended June 2008, October 2019, and August 2026.
1. Purpose
In recognition that more than ninety percent (90%) of the funds used to establish the Kansas Bible Chair (KBC) and to construct Smith Hall were contributed by congregations and members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas, it is appropriate that these funds be used to support programs and projects that advance religious education within the ministry of the Christian Church in Kansas.
2. Administrative Organization
The Executive Committee of the Christian Church in Kansas serves as the Trustees of the Kansas Bible Chair Funds. They possess the final authority in the distribution of income from and use of the Smith Hall Fund-Kansas Bible Chair Grants.
Three persons will serve as the Kansas Bible Chair Task Force. The Regional Minister of the Christian Church in Kansas will serve as an ex-officio member. Members will be appointed by the Moderator of the Christian Church in Kansas with the approval of the KBC Trustees. Task Force members shall be chosen for three-year terms and may succeed themselves no more than once. Terms will be structured so that one term expires at the end of each calendar year. KBC Task Force members will be representative of the Christian Church in Kansas and have an interest in quality religious education for the laity and continuing education for clergy.
3. Fund Management and Earnings
The Trustees of the Kansas Bible Chair (KBC) shall:
- Maintain and strengthen the principle of the Smith Hall Fund-KBC.
- Each year, determine what portion of earnings will be retained and reinvested to grow the principle, with 10% as the suggested amount.
- Allocate remaining earnings for ministry and educational purposes.
Additional provisions:
- Earnings shall be distributed twice a year in grant cycles determined by the Trustees.
- The Trustees shall inform the KBC Task Force of the funds available prior to grant review.
- The KBC Task Force shall submit grant recommendations to the Trustees for approval.
4. Use of Earnings
Earnings from the fund shall support educational programs and lectureships that benefit both laity and clergy within Disciples congregations in Kansas.
Eligible uses may include, but are not limited to:
- Support for Regional Assembly
- Support for fellowship gatherings, including:
- Disciples Women’s Fellowship
- Disciples Men’s Fellowship
- CCK Youth Outdoor Ministries
- Congregational Ministries that support learning, and new ministry opportunities
Ineligible uses may include, but are not limited to:
- Ministries or persons unaffiliated with the Christian Church in Kansas
- Salaries for individuals who already receive compensation from a church or ministry in the Christian Church in Kansas
- Worship, fellowship, and other programs and events that are not educational in nature
5. Funding Request Requirements
All requests for funding shall adhere to the following:
- Written Proposal:
Each request must include:- Purpose and goals
- Description of the project (projected time frame to complete)
- Implementation plan
- Specific financial request
- Endorsement:
Requests must be endorsed by a recognized committee, commission, or congregation of the Christian Church in Kansas. - Financial Accountability:
- All grant monies are paid as reimbursement upon the submission of clearly legible invoices or receipts
- Submit a final report within ninety (90) days of project completion. This report will include an accounting of the funds named above and a narrative description of the event or project and how it achieved what was proposed in the grant application. The report may be submitted in written, video, or photographic form that can be used in Regional promotional materials as well as kept by the Task Force for reference.
- Failure to provide a report within 90 days of project completion may result in grant monies being revoked and/or future grants requests from the same individual, ministry, committee, or congregation being denied.
- Unused funds will be reinvested in the Smith Hall fund
6. Amendments
These guidelines may be amended by the Trustees of the Kansas Bible Chair, acting as the Executive Committee of the Christian Church in Kansas (Disciples of Christ), Inc.