In 2023, the Virginia Synod received a bequest from the estate of Rev. Tom and Bunny Warme to reduce educational debt for pastors serving within the Virginia Synod. Thanks to the Warme’s generosity and planning, the Virginia Synod is now in the position to provide educational debt reduction grants of up to $10,000 per year to pastors who have served at least one year in the Virginia Synod. The information below outlines the requirements for the grant and the application process.

The Warme Educational Debt Reduction Team is hopeful that the Warme grants will be able to expand to include Deacons in the near future.

Virginia Synod pastors or deacons wishing to apply for an Educational Debt Reduction Grant must meet the following requirements:

1. Service Requirement: A pastor is eligible to receive a grant once they have served a call in the Virginia Synod for a minimum of one (1) year.
2. Application: Each applicant will be asked to submit an application to provide information on their level of educational debt and need.
3. Financial Counseling: Complete three (3) free financial counseling sessions from a Portico or LSS Minnesota representative. For more information on this program, go to: https://www.lssmn.org/financialcounseling/portico
4. Submit Report to the Bishop: Pastors and deacons must complete their Report to the Bishop for the current year.

2024 Warme Fund Grant Timeline

• January 1, 2024 – Applications open for 2024
• October 28, 2024 – Applications close for 2024 (Applications received after this date will be considered in 2025)
• November 2024 – Review Team Considers Applications
• December 2024 – Synod Office Staff Distributes Grants