The Board of the Diocese of Central New York has announced that applications are now available for the Spring 2024 cycle of Diocesan Ministry Grants. The Ministry Grants program empowers congregations, ministries, and partnerships throughout the Diocese by funding projects that reflect current ministry priorities of the Diocese and uphold the diocesan Vision, Mission, and Rule of Life.
Leaders of projects in the following identified priority areas are encouraged to apply for funding. We are particularly encouraging applications for projects that are collaborations or partnerships with other congregations or community organizations.
- Increasing Connections between Congregations and Empowering Interfaith Ministry: This ministry priority supports projects that minister across congregational borders: partnerships between two or more congregations; regional partnerships; partnerships between congregations and community/neighborhood groups; partnerships between the Diocese and other dioceses or community organizations; and ministry in partnership with other faith traditions.
- Creating a Welcoming, Nurturing Environment for New Americans: This ministry priority supports projects that empower New Americans and/or strengthen the fabric of mutual relationship between New American communities and the historic congregations into which they are settling.
- Addressing Racial Justice & Reconciliation: This ministry priority supports projects that directly empower Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, projects that dismantle white supremacy, and projects to aid faith communities in understanding and confronting the impacts of racism.
- Creation Care: This ministry priority supports efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of congregations, to increase resilience and sustainability of the environment, and to provide education and awareness of creation care concerns and programs.
- Raising up Lay Leaders and Clergy: This ministry priority supports projects that inform, equip, and empower lay and clergy leaders for service in our congregations and communities, including supporting tuition costs for participation in the College for Congregational Development. Additionally, this priority seeks to support the formation and nurture of new youth and young adult ministry.
- Providing Technical Support for Congregations to Strengthen and Refine Digital Worship, Service, Formation, and Stewardship: This ministry priority supports projects that support congregational mission and ministry online, including skill-building, equipment and software purchases, and subscriptions that extend our online presence and ensure our congregations and ministries truly welcome all people, whether in-person or online.
- Ministry in Congregations: This ministry priority recognizes that God may be leading your congregation to fruitful ministry that is not envisioned by these guidelines. We seek to support the mission and ministry of our congregations and welcome your applications.
Applications for the Spring 2024 cycle of Diocesan Ministry Grants are due by Wednesday, May 15, 2024 and may be made online using the Google form at the link below. Eligible parishes will have completed their annual audit.
