Accessibility Loans

   Low Interest Loans to Make
   Churches Accessible

Accessibility Loans are low-interest loans made to congregations renovating facilities to remove barriers for people with disabilities.

Accessibility Loan Services

Accessibility Loans are funded through gifts made to the various Accessibility Funds. Limited financing is available only to qualifying congregations and regions that are listed in the Year Book and Directory of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Low Interest Accessibility Loan Policies

• Available to Disciples congregations
• Loan amount of up to $50,000 or 5% of Accessibility Loan Fund, whichever is less
• Interest rate of 3% for up to five years
• May not be combined with an interest free loan
• A borrower may qualify for and receive only one accessibility loan
• Qualifying projects must be to retrofit an existing facility or construct an addition to address specific accessibility issues. NOTE: Additions to existing facilities designed primarily to add space for ministries and which as a result also address accessibility issues do not qualify inasmuch as existing building codes generally dictate newly constructed facilities to be "accessible."
• Accessibility loan requests will be approved based upon the following priority concerns:
  • Ramps and accessible exterior entrances
  • Elevators
  • Accessible restrooms
  • Accessible chancels
  • Sensory packages (lighting, sound, etc.)
  • Accessible vans and retrofits
  • Playground and child care equipment
  • Accessible baptistries
  • Other accessibility projects