Ministry Grants

Overview

The goal of the diocesan Ministry Grants process is to raise up ministry efforts throughout the Diocese that further the mission goals of the entire Diocese. Ministry Grants empower churches, ministries, and partnerships working toward “a world healed by love” by supporting projects that reflect the ministry priorities of the Diocese. By funding projects through Ministry Grants rather than through the diocesan budget, the Diocese can steward resources in changing ministry contexts, remain responsive to new ideas and initiatives, and better ensure transparency and accountability for funds used for ministry.

Eligibility

Parishes, clusters, missions, chapels, parish organizations, and diocesan-chartered bodies in the Diocese of Central New York are eligible to apply for ministry grants. Individuals and outside organizations may apply with endorsement from an eligible entity. Eligible parishes will have completed their annual audit. If an audit is not yet completed, funds may be awarded, but will not be released until audit is complete.  No more than $5,000 can be awarded in total, in a 12 month period.

Purposes

Ministry Grant applications must demonstrate that the grant would further one of the identified diocesan priorities listed in the current application. Diocesan priorities are established by the Diocesan Board and are consonant with our diocesan Vision, Mission, and Rule of Life.

Grants may not be used for building or other facility repairs or renovations or to cover salary costs of parish or other organization staff whose responsibilities exceed the needs of the granted ministry.

Granting Periods

Ministry Grants will be evaluated and awarded at least annually. Additional grant rounds may be available dependent upon the financial resources of the Diocese, as determined by the Board. Additionally, grants may be available to meet needs of an emergent nature regardless of the granting schedule.

Application Process

To apply, complete the Ministry Grant Application online (link below). Grants received after the deadline will not be considered. All applications should be endorsed by the minister of responsibility for the organization making the application and by the vestry or other leadership body.

Grants will require a verbal mid-term report and written final report to evaluate the accomplishments of the ministry against its stated goals (grants for the purchase of equipment require only a final report).

Applications for the Spring 2024 cycle of Diocesan Ministry Grants are due Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

The online application form is here: Ministry Grant Application – Spring 2024. 

The maximum amount granted to any single parish in a 12 month period will be $5,000, regardless of the number of applications submitted.

Supported priorities for the Spring 2024 Ministry Grants cycle are:

• • 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.

Upon completion of your project, download the Ministry Grant Final Report Form: Ministry Grant Final Report Form