United Church Funds (UCF) has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships through the Richard and Helen Brown Endowment to 21 recipients preparing for ministry. The awardees, who represent 14 UCC conferences, are students either in seminary or in regional theological education programs.
This year’s class of Brown Scholars brings a wide range of backgrounds, ministry experiences and perspectives to their work — reflecting the breadth and diversity of the UCC. United by a shared commitment to serve their communities and the wider church, they represent the next generation of faithful and adaptive leadership within the denomination.
“The Brown Scholarship has changed so much of my life in terms of where I thought I would be at this point in my life and my ministry career,” said Danielle Elliott, one of the 2026 Brown Scholars.
Charles Buck, UCF President & CEO, said: “The Brown Scholarship serves as a long-term investment in the future of the church. By supporting the education and formation of both emerging and active leaders, we are investing not only in individual scholars, but also in the congregations and communities they will serve.”
The Brown Endowment was established through a generous gift from Richard and Helen Brown to support pastoral ministry in the UCC. Since 1995, the Endowment has supported seminarians and clergy in the UCC and in global partner churches through educational scholarships and professional development grants. The purpose of the Brown Endowment is to support church leaders throughout their journey — from theological education to continuing education.
Click here to learn more about the Brown Scholarship.