Manchester University’s Peace Studies Institute has received a $375,000 grant from the Faith in Rural Communities initiative of the NC Rural Center to coach 25 rural churches in asset-based community development over the next three years, serving congregations across the region. Manchester is the only university to receive this competitive grant, which will be directed by Manchester’s peace studies and religious studies programs.
Through the Connect Church program, Manchester will help churches identify and mobilize their existing strengths to build stronger relationships, address local challenges, and contribute to the vitality of their communities. Participating congregations will meet regularly with Connect Church coaches to inventory assets, learn about community needs and design projects that create lasting impact.
A distinctive element of Manchester’s proposal involves training students as coaches, providing paid experiential education opportunities. Student coaches also gain valuable experience working with religious organizations on issues important to their communities.
“Connect Church is rooted in the belief that rural congregations already possess the gifts and relationships needed to make a lasting difference in their communities,” said Darren Crotts, senior program director of Faith in Rural Communities. “By focusing on the assets within a congregation and the opportunities around them, churches can become catalysts for meaningful and sustainable change.”
“At Manchester, our tradition of peacebuilding is not separate from faith – it is deeply rooted in it. This grant recognizes the powerful partnership between our peace studies and religious studies programs, where theological reflection and social transformation come together to serve our region,” said Dr. Katy Gray Brown, professor of philosophy and peace studies and director of the Peace Studies Institute. “This initiative reflects the heart of Manchester’s mission: bringing together education and faith to improve the human condition.”
Manchester University is one of four organizations selected nationwide to serve as a regional hub for the expansion of Connect Church, alongside hub partners in Missouri, Montana and South Carolina. As a hub partner, Manchester will provide coaching, training and support to participating churches in Indiana.
The expansion of Connect Church is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Ministry in Rural Areas and Small Towns Initiative. Faith in Rural Communities staff will support hub partners in adapting the program to their regions, helping rural churches across the country foster meaningful, sustainable ministries.
For the media
Contact Katy Gray Brown, professor of peace studies and philosophy, at KLGrayBrown@manchester.edu.
About the NC Rural Center
Since 1987, the NC Rural Center has worked to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. The Rural Center launched its Faith in Rural Communities initiative in 2018 to empower churches as drivers of economic development and community vitality. Its flagship program, Connect Church, helps congregations identify and mobilize their assets, build relationships, and implement sustainable, community-focused ministries.
To date, Connect Church has partnered with over 100 churches in over 50 of North Carolina’s 78 rural counties and in 2025 launched its first national hub partnership in eastern Tennessee. Successful ministries include youth mentoring and literacy programs, mental health resources and support, community gardens and nutrition initiatives, and early childhood education.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location.
In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States by supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen pastoral and lay leadership.
About Manchester University
Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
About Peace Studies at Manchester University
Founded in 1948 by Gladdys Muir, Manchester is home to the first undergraduate peace studies program in the world. The program encourages its students to examine the root causes of conflict and explore pathways to justice through nonviolence.
