Godly Play Foundation

Programs

1. Publications and Materials: In December 2007, The Godly Play Foundation was gifted a series of publications including the "Complete Guide to Godly Play" volumes 1 through 6 from the founder and author, The Reverend Dr. Jerome Berryman. Additional publications and articles continue to be developed and gifted to the Foundation with the "Complete Guide" now at 8 volumes. Godly Play Foundation receives royalty income from its publisher, Church Publishing, Incorporated. Godly Play is a Montessori based program and, as such, there are materials (e.g. Arks, Temples) that are used in combination with the publications to deliver the Godly Play method. Godly Play Foundation is producing and selling the materials that support its programs through it's Godly Play Resources division.

   $227,256 spent$215,451 earned by the program
   21% of program spending

2. Everyday Godly Play: In 2022, Godly Play received a grant that allows the organization to expand their resources to support parents and caregivers in their homes and through their faith communites. The project will include an online hub for resources, inspiration, and community building for parents and caregivers with relevant pathways for religious education leaders. The overarching goals of this project are to:Empower parents and caregivers to foster a sustainable and integrated family spirituality through these critical activities, equipping them to incorporate rhythm, wonder, play, and narrative in their relationships with their children by providing access to resources, courses, storytelling materials, and community support. Equip religious education professionals to imagine and implement innovative models for empowering and equipping parents and caregivers to sustain an integrated family spirituality. Support clergy and church leadership in cultivating a faith community that embraces and promotes a holistic approach to ministry centered on the spiritual needs of children and families.

   $293,143 spent
   27% of program spending

3. Research and Development: The Godly Play Foundation through its division, The Center for the Theology of Childhood, conducts research and development into childhood spirituality and the practices of nurturing and developing that spirituality through story and play. The Center also is responsible for Godly Play publications, creating new and revising current editions.The Foundation also provides membership support services as well as international development activites.

   $378,318 spentof which $11,640 as grants
   35% of program spending

4. U.S. & International Training: Godly Play Foundation trains and supports a network of independent Godly Play Trainers in the United States and Internationally. The Godly Play approach teaches classical religious (e.g. Christian, Quaker, Jewish) language in a way that enhances the child's authentic experience of God. Trainers learn to us Montessori's approach to education to stimulate children's active participation in story and ritual and to awaken their creativity for the learning of the language, sacred stories, parables, liturgical action and silence of their religious tradition. The Godly Play Foundation maintains and enchances the offerings and curriculum used by the trainer network as they train church school teachers, hospital chaplains and others who use the Godly Play method.

   $174,010 spentof which $12,850 as grants$78,903 earned by the program
   16% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $1,072,727.