walls foundation scholarship

The paul t. and vera e. walls foundation

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Paul T. & Vera E. Walls Foundation was the dream of Paul Walls, a dedicated layperson in the Free Methodist Church. He and his wife, Vera, felt a strong desire to financially support seminary students in the Pacific Northwest Conference, enabling them to complete their education. Paul and Vera Walls are no longer living, but the foundation's endowment is held at the Free Methodist Foundation and managed directly by the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church.

  • The Paul T. and Vera E. Walls Foundation exists to strengthen the mission of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church by supporting the training and continuing education of clergy and clergy-in-process, while ensuring long-term alignment with the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation and historical grant distributions.

    1. Students must attend an educational institution that has been approved by the MEG Board, Conference Superintendent, or assigned representative.

    2. Applicants must be pursuing an advanced degree or continuing education program relevant to their role as clergy.

    3. Applicants must demonstrate financial need for assistance with educational costs.

    4. Must be a Conference Ministerial Candidate or Elder in good standing with the PNWC.

    5. Must be in a current active appointment and not on leave of absence.

    6. Eligible expenses must occur within the current calendar year and can’t be applied to past-year costs

    1. Annual Cycle
      Applications are due each year by March 1.

    2. Second Round (If Funds Remain)
      If we still have money available, a second round will open on October 1, with applications due by November 1.

    1. Eligible clergy members must submit a formal application, which should include details of the education program, its relevance to their role as clergy, and an overview of their financial need.

    2. Applications will be reviewed by a designated committee within the PNWC, which will assess eligibility and allocate funds based on the established criteria.

    3. Applicants will be notified of the committee's decision within 45 days of the application deadline.

Deadlines: March 1 and November 1

APPLY NOW

approval priority tiers

Tier 1 - Primary Priority

Ordained Elders in good standing of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church under an active appointment.

Eligible programs: advanced degrees, accredited seminary or university courses, or approved continuing education directly relevant to pastoral leadership.

Tier 2 - Secondary Priority

Conference Ministerial Candidates (CMCs) of the Pacific Northwest Conference who are placed in a lead pastor role under appointment.

Eligible programs: accredited seminary, university, or other approved accredited institution offering degree programs or certifications relevant to ministry.

Tier 3 - Contingency Priority

When sufficient qualified applicants are not available in Tier 1 or Tier 2, and in alignment with the original Walls’ Foundation’s Articles and giving history, distributions may be made to other ministries of the Free Methodist Church USA.

All such distributions must comply with the requirement that all funds distributed support the Free Methodist Church and/or Free Methodist institutions.

AWARD COMPLIANCE

    1. The fund will cover up to 50% of the total costs associated with the approved education program for the current calendar year.

    2. The exact amount granted to each applicant will be determined based on financial need and available funds, with the PNWC setting an annual maximum amount based on the current year’s fund allocation.

    3. Applicants must reapply for scholarship assistance each calendar year to continue receiving funding.

    1. Progress Reports
      To keep the scholarship fund accountable, students are required to submit an unofficial transcript at the end of every term, once grades have been posted. A copy of each term’s class registration should be included.

    2. Missing Reports
      If transcripts or registrations aren’t submitted, the Conference may pause future payments or require repayment of funds already disbursed.

    3. Grade Expectations
      Students must complete each course or program with a passing grade. If the program or course is left incomplete, the Conference may require repayment of scholarship funds tied to that term.

    1. All grant recipients are required to serve in an active ministerial appointment within the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church for at least five (5) years after finishing their studies.

    2. Recipients who transition their appointment to another Free Methodist Conference or other organization outside of the Pacific Northwest Conference, or alter their ministry path, must provide a written rationale to the Conference Superintendent and the fund’s oversight committee.

    3. If a recipient discontinues their appointment in the Pacific Northwest Conference within five (5) years of their most recent grant award (voluntarily or involuntarily), they will be required to repay the full amount of funds received.

    1. Permitted Uses
      Scholarship funds may be applied only to academic tuition, fees, textbooks, and required course materials.

    2. Misuse of Funds
      If funds are used for non-eligible expenses or outside the approved timeframe, repayment may be required.

    1. Disbursement Method
      Funds are typically issued directly to the school or program. In cases where direct payment isn’t possible, the student may receive funds with documentation of the approved expense.

    2. Continuing Awards
      Receiving funds in one term doesn’t guarantee future awards. Continued support depends on the availability of funds, academic progress, and compliance with reporting requirements.

    1. The annual distribution amount from the Endowment Fund will be set between 3% and 5% of the three-year average balance as of December 31 of the previous three years.

    2. The fund may not fall below its cost basis of $593,209.69 to preserve long-term viability.

    1. The Endowment Fund will be overseen by the organization's Board of Administration or a designated committee responsible for managing endowment funds.

    2. Proper accounting and record-keeping procedures will be maintained to track the allocation and disbursement of scholarship funds.

    3. The Board or designated committee reserves the right to amend the policy as necessary, with any changes communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

    1. Recipients of scholarship funds are expected to comply with all terms and conditions outlined in this policy

    2. To comply with federal regulations governing foundations, we require students to supply regular reports of their academic progress.

      1. For this reason, the Pacific Northwest Conference requires that you submit your updated transcript after grades are posted at the end of each term of study. It will be your responsibility to email the transcripts, as well as a copy of each semester or quarter registration for classes, to the PNWC. (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.)

      2. Failure to submit transcripts and registration each term may result in suspension of scholarship payments or repayment of funds already disbursed.

    3. Any concerns or discrepancies related to the administration of the fund should be reported to the Board or designated committee for investigation and resolution.

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

conclusion

The Endowment Fund exists to sustain and strengthen the mission of the Pacific Northwest Conference by investing in the development of its clergy. By providing financial assistance for accredited degrees, certifications, and continuing education, the fund ensures that our pastors and leaders are equipped for faithful and effective ministry. Stewarding this endowment wisely protects the formation of future generations who will preach, teach, plant, and shepherd long after us.