The Church Improvement Fund at the Community Foundation of West Georgia has issued grants totaling $52,578to four local churches.

Churches receiving the grants were:

• Antioch Baptist Church for roof, septic tank and water heater;
• First Baptist Church of Bowdon for gutters and bathroom remodeling;
• Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for new staircase, windows, handicap ramp, door, bathroom and soffit;
• Westside Full Gospel Baptist Church for carpet replacement.

With an initial endowment of $300,000, the Church Improvement Fund provides grants for capital improvements to churches that primarily serve African American communities in Carroll County.  Funding priorities are primarily for brick and mortar projects that will improve the physical condition of churches and help them better serve their congregations and the community.  An estimated $50,000 is available for grants from the fund each year.

Applications for grants from the fund are accepted annually from churches that have been in existence at least 10 years.  Applications are evaluated on demonstrated need, including plans, cost estimates, community service, etc., as well as financial stability of the church.  A match of 25 percent is required, with the applicant church responsible for 25 percent of the project costs and the fund providing 75 percent.  Priority is given to churches that have limited ability to raise funds above normal operating costs.  A committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation reviews funding requests.