The
overall aim of the Foundation is to engage in ministries of compassion
and justice as exemplified by the life and work of Arthur and Louise
Symons and their descendants. Work in compassion and justice will be
defined for the purposes of this Foundation as those projects and
enterprises that exemplify the Way of Jesus of Nazareth who embodied
compassion and justice as core values.
Our Goals
- Belief in God (or a higher power) of compassion and justice
- Confronting systemic divisions of people by race or ethnicity
- Encourage interfaith cooperation
- Addressing violence against and seeking equal rights and opportunities for marginalized people
- Stewardship of God's whole creation, mitigating effects of climate change
- Encouraging personal transformation through spiritual discipline and mindfulness
- Supporting and promoting economic justice for all
- Supporting people of all ages and ability to contribute to society
- It is expected that grants will be given for seeding/funding creative initiatives within not for profit organizations, not for maintaining institutions.
- This may include new projects of an established group looking to increase creatively its level of justice and/or compassion in its programs.
- In most situations, grant funds will not be used for buildings or staffing.
- Grants of up to $10,000 can be applied for, but the size of the grants will usually be in the range of $5000-6000.
- Grants can be renewed no more than once for the same project.
- A project evaluation will be requested within six months of the project being completed.
After carefully reading this information sheet, if you believe that your organization meets the criteria for a Foundation grant, please request an application. Applications can be made on the form provided and sent to SymonsFoundation@gmail.com.
The Symons Family Compassion-Justice Foundation was established at the instigation of the Rev. Dr. James Symons. A retired minister of the Presbyterian Church of the USA, Jim served as a transition minister in New Zealand between 2001 and 2012. In 2021, out of a passion for justice and compassion and in gratitude for friendship offered, he funded trust in New Zealand to help churches and communities move in the missional practice of justice and compassion. Witnessing the positive impact of the New Zealand trust, Jim funded this second family foundation to honor his parents.
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