First Creation Care Grant Awarded

Creation Care Grant Awarded to All Saints, Providence

The Creation Care Ministry of the Diocese is pleased to announce the first award given from the Creation Care Mini-grant Program.

All Saints, Providence, has received a $1500 grant to create an inviting urban oasis for reflection and the healing of God’s creation. The deadline for applications has been extended to July 15. 2022.

This is an example of a project valuable in itself and a model for others to employ.

Other applications eligible for $500 to $1500 mini-grants include projects around:

  • Food security and access to locally produced food (i.e. the creation of community gardens and or farm shares on church owned lands, obtaining permits/equipment needed to host farmers markets on church owned lands, obtaining permits/equipment needed to prepare community meals in church facilities).
  • Energy efficiency (i.e. efficiency audits of church owned facilities, insulation/weather-proofing of church owned facilities, replacement of church owned energy intensive equipment).
  • Climate resiliency (i.e. rain gardens for stormwater management on church owned property, flood risk reduction strategies/retrofits for church owned property and facilities, generators and/or heating equipment to support community charging stations, warming stations, etc. on church owned property).
  • Environmental Stewardship (i.e. community/green space clean ups including Christian fellowship components, organic waste recycling at churches, invasive/exotic removal on church owned property, planting native plants and grasses on church owned property).
  • Environmental Outreach and Education (i.e. curriculum development focused on environmental education and stewardship for faith-based communities, development and/or hosting environmental focused programming for faith-based communities).
  • Theological reflection on Creation Care (i.e. development of creation care focused lessons for adult and youth formation classes).

The Creation Care grant period has ended as of July 15, 2022.  Questions about the Mini-Grants can be answered by emailing creationcareedri@gmail.com.

Juliette M. Mudrak Fund

This fund was established in 1989 by a bequest from the estate of Juliette M. Mudrak “for the purpose of carrying on the work of the Diocesan Mission for the Deaf”. Therefore, the funds can be used for any purpose that can be construed as ministry to hearing impaired persons.

As a restricted fund, however, it is important that any expenditure from it be documented in such a way as to justify its purpose. This fund has been mainly used to support “hearing loop devices” in the Churches. However, the fund can also support hearing aids for canonically resident non-retired clergy which are not covered by their health insurance. If you have a need for such a grant, please contact Joan DeCelles, Finance Director at joan@episcopalri.org or she can be reached at 401-274-4500 ext. 229.

Annual distribution from the Juliette M. Mudrak Fund must not exceed the amount of the dividends produced annually.

Grants and Loans for Churches

All Grants and Loans applications are reviewed through the Grants and Loans Committee to determine which commission should consider and process the application. Once an application has been reviewed by Grants and Loans Committee, the application is forwarded to the recommended commission to be considered and processed for funding through the Diocesan Resource Fund, Congregational Development Commission, a Revolving Loan, or a combination thereof. The recommended funding source may have their own application with questions that pertain to that specific funding source and may ask for the same information or updated information. In most cases, applications also must be presented to Diocesan Council for approval.

The Grants and Loans committee receives the application and forwards the request to the appropriate commission for consideration. The Congregational Development Commission meets the first Tuesday of every month. The Commission on Finance meets on the second Thursday of every month. Diocesan Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Standing Committee meets on the Third Tuesday of every month. Please plan accordingly; to approve Grants and Loans, Diocesan committees have several steps to go through before making decisions and dispersing funds. Email: grantsloans@episcopalri.org with questions only.

There is one basic application form for all Diocesan funded Grants and Loans. Again, the recommended funding source may have their own application with questions that pertain to that specific funding source and may ask for the same information or updated information.

Complete the Grant or Loan Application by clicking HERE

Review available Diocesan Grants and Loans below:

Diocesan Resource Fund Grant:

The Diocesan Resource fund is a grant source for congregations in the diocese. Applications that the CoF recommends for approval will be considered by Diocesan Council for final approval. Applications up to $20,000 will be considered with the documented financial need of the congregation. Projects over and above $20,000 may be eligible for consideration by the Revolving Loan Fund, and you will receive a recommendation to apply if the Commission deems it appropriate. Churches will receive no more than one grant per calendar year.

Congregational Development Commission:

Provides funds for programs that strengthen congregations, especially those that are field testing new programs/initiatives on behalf of the diocese, done in partnership with other church or are part of a plan to spur significant growth, expand ministry, etc. Complete the application above. To read more about the Congregational Development Commission, click here.

Revolving Loan Fund:

Loans are available to congregations in this Diocese that are planning capital improvement projects. Contact Joan DeCelles for more information. Complete the application above.

Episcopal Charities:

Provides funds for outreach and service ministries in Rhode Island

Juliette M. Mudrack Fund:

To fund ministry to deaf persons. Canonically resident non-retired clergy in need of financial assistance for hearing aids are eligible. Email Joan DeCelles for information.

Grants, Episcopal Church

  • United Thank Offering — provides grants related to each year’s theme. Check their website to see if your project fits this year’s theme. Each bishop can submit one grant for his/her diocese. They also offer five seminarian and five young adult ministry grants.
  • Episcopal Church Scholarships — The Episcopal Church offers educational scholarships to students ranging from K-12 to continuing education.
  • Young Adult and Campus Ministry Grants — These grants are intended to provide funding for an Episcopal ministry (or ecumenical ministry with an Episcopal presence) in a diocese, congregation, or college/university that is currently engaging in or seeking a new relationship with young adults on and off college campuses.
  • The Genesis Advisory Group of the Episcopal Church is still receiving grant applications for mission enterprise zones and developing church plants which had received funding in the last triennium for a mission enterprise zone or discernment grant for those working to clarify and develop a church plant. There are four different grant applications – each for a different kind of mission planting endeavor:
    • An application for Mission Enterprise Zones
      An application for Church Plants
      An application for Hybrid Ministries
      An application for a Discernment Grant

Grants, Rhode Island

  • Basic Human Needs Grants by the RI Foundation help community-based agencies (including churches) provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in need. Food assistance requires membership in the RI Food Bank and all require maintaining records on the number of recipients, assistance provided, etc.
  • Black Philanthropy Bannister Fund by the RI Foundation supports youth development and mentoring for Black youth and the promotion of the history, achievements, and culture of the Black community. In 2018, The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Newport received a Bannister grant for the Choir School of Newport.
  • Organizational Development Grants by the RI Foundation are for a variety of activities that strengthen and improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Equity Action by the RI Foundation is committed to enacting social change by championing initiatives and organizations that encourage justice for, provide support to, and improve the quality of life of LGBTQ Rhode Islanders.
  • Grant Shelburne Fund – grants to nonprofit organizations that provide basic human needs including food, shelter and healthcare to underserved populations in Rhode Island.
  • Champlin Foundation – provides capital improvement grants to churches up to $50,000
  • Need something else? Contact Joannie Collins

 

Mustard Seed and Vinyard Grants

The following projects have all been aided by grants from the Congregational Development Commission.

Food Pantry Outreach Project at St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

Contact: The Rev. Maryalice Sullivan, Vicar (revmas90@gmail.com)
CDC Grant award: $8,300

Goal: To make more use of church basement as the church expands its outreach offerings

As St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s seeks to use their parish house as a Center of Hope, they continue to look forward to future community needs. Currently, they have the Food Pantry which serves about 60 families/week. They also served as a COVID testing and vaccination site and have a pop-up thrift store. Other outreach needs being addressed include:

  • a job fair for the community
  • working with Brown University through the Free program to provide much needed feminine products for women and school aged girls
  • ESL and citizenship classes – the two largest requests from the community

The mold has been remediated from our basement and it does smell oh so much better. The grant we received from the Diocese covered all but four hundred dollars of the total cost. The next step is to get the gutters fixed to redirect the water away from the building.  We will also have to have the parts of the basement wall repair where the water has been leaking in, probably for years, and we need a sump pump to make sure this does not happen in the future.  When this work is done we can begin to think about what we want our basement to look like and how do we accomplish that. They were able to save the sub floor which should save some money as we move forward. 

Festival of the Resurrection: Hope, Healing & Hallelujah. St. Paul’s Pawtucket.

Contact: Rev. Jo-ann Drake or Ted Platt, office@stpaulspawtucket.org, 401-728-4300

Goals: “The season of Easter, which lasts 50 days, is the time the Church gives continuous thanks for God’s unfailing love and mercy,” said The Rev. Greta Getlein, Vicar of St. Paul’s. “As part of our celebrations:

  • we must consider how we share the gifts given us;
  • how we engage with our communities;
  • and how we participate in the important conversations of our day.

This festival is an opportunity for St. Paul’s to do all of the above in partnership with this city.”

The 2018 Festival of the Resurrection took place from Sunday, April 22, through Sunday, April 29, as an opportunity for Rhode Islanders to continue joyously celebrating Easter long after the traditional festive worship services on Easter Day. Each day of the festival featured a special event, starting with “Bach, Buxtehude and Beyond,” an organ recital at 3 p.m. on April 22. Events include and evening of dance and music with “Dynamite Rhythm”, a presentation by Creative Outreach About Addiction Support Together, a conversation “Art of Befriending Seniors”, a Tai Chi workshop on spiritual fitness followed by a Mass for Healing, and a solo dramatic performance of the Gospel of Mark. The festival concluded with “For God Has Done Marvelous Things,” an artistic tapestry of poetry, dance, readings, prayer, choir and organ around the great hymns of Easter.

Impact: From Rev Greta Getlein (July 2021): “I would say it was a short-term success in that it got lots of members of the parish involved welcoming strangers in.”

Icons and Song – Windows into Russian Culture and Prayer. All Saints’ Memorial Church, Providence

Contact: Rev. Julie Hanavan revjulhan@gmail.com

Amount funded by CDC: $1,300
Amount funded by All Saints’: $1,775

Goals: Expand upon an annual concert hosted by All Saints (sacred Russian Orthodox music) to include an exhibition of Russian Icons from the Museum of Russian Icons traveling collections.
Invite the public to spend an afternoon at All Saints’ to experience beautiful sacred music from Russia, meet a Russian a capella group, view Russian Orthodox and Ethiopian Christian icons dating to 1580, and learn about the creation, meaning, and roles of icons in personal/family prayer and liturgy.
Further the vision statement of All Saints’ as “a visible and known beacon that engages people in their spiritual journeys and nurtures their mind and souls.”

Description: More than 100 persons attended the event on September 14, 2019, many of whom had never been inside All Saints’. Ms. Garrity-Arquitt, from the Museum, was present throughout the exhibition period to answer individual questions; she also answered many thoughtful questions from the audience at the conclusion of her presentation. Her presentation was complemented by sacred Russian Orthodox music presented by LYRA, with accompanying commentary by its leader, Mr. Sergey Tupitsyn. The group, composed of four professional musicians from St. Petersburg, also sang entertaining Russian folk songs. Attendees enjoyed a delicious reception of savories and desserts prepared by the All Saints’ Arts Ministry.

The Icons and Song program was a unique combination of sacred art and music, and culture that appealed to a wide range of visitors. Many attendees had never been to All Saints’ before and commented on the beauty of the sacred space as well as the music and icons. The program did indeed engage spiritual journeys, and nurtured mind and soul.

Open Hands, Open Hearts. Trinity Church, Scituate

Contact: Jill Shurtleff, jshurtl@gmail.com
(currently not occurring due to COVID, but will resume when it is safe to do so.)

Goal(s): To develop an inviting, inclusive worship service for families with special abilities children, to share this ministry with other churches interested in starting a similar service, and assist those congregations in setting up similar services.

Open Hands, Open Hearts is a worship service for families with special needs in a judgment-free gathering place. The service includes music and movement, prayers, a lesson, and an opportunity for Eucharist and/or a blessing. Our Open Hands, Open Hearts worship space contains a quiet area for those who need a safe zone or a break.  It also features comfortable alternative seating, including “wiggle seats,” bean bag chairs, and floor mats.

Pilgrim Course Bible Study Project. Church of the Epiphany, Rumford, RI

Contact: The Rev. Jennifer Zogg, Rector (revjen@epiphanyep.org)

CDC Grant award: $2,000

Goal of Project: To deepen our spiritual formation as a congregation by engaging in an all-parish study on basic Christianity and discipleship called the Pilgrim course from Church Publishing, and to strengthen our spiritual foundation in order to engage better in outreach, stewardship, etc., and build new leaders in the parish for future ministries.

The congregation was gathered in one united study (Sunday mornings at 9:15am in small and large group formats) for inter-generational learning (youth ages 9-13+ were included) Next, we would like to provide a course for new members, those desiring adult baptism/confirmation/reception, and those who have been long-time members to deepen and renew their faith

The Blackstone Valley Deanery- Quiet Day. Christ Church, Lincoln R.I.

Contact: The Reverend Beth Sherman, vicarbethstaugustines@gmail.com

Amount funded by CDC: $1000

The Quiet day in Advent provided 15 or so people (both lay and clergy) with a reflective and meditative experience during one of the most chaotic and busiest seasons of the church year, Advent. Participants found the quiet day healing and energizing, allowing them to slow down and “be present.” The day began at 8:30 am and end at about 2 pm. During the “Quiet day,” there was a good deal of scheduled and unscheduled time. The scheduled time began with three (3) periods of reflection led by the Reverend Beth Sherman. After the planned “reflection time, participants were allowed to journal during an unscheduled time. A good indication of success is the desire and hope held by participants that future “quiet days” would be supported by the diocese as a whole.

Music Streaming Licenses

Streaming License Grants

These grants are no longer available as of  December 31, 2021. 

To apply to this grant for up to $300.00 you must:

  • Go to https://onelicense.net/ to determine the streaming/podcast license that you need. There are two options:
    Limited Podcast / Streaming License
    Annual License/Podcast/Streaming Bundle

*Please read all options for streaming license on website. It is not a one size fits all license, there are many variables for you to consider what is best for your church. Consult with Choir and/Music directors about what music they are using. You may already have a OneLicense License and just need to add the Streaming License. For questions about Onelicense and what they have to offer please visit https://onelicense.net/how-it-works

  • Submit your Grant Request by using this link Streaming Grant Application provided by CDC.
    Once your request is received and approved; we will be able to process the request.
  • The Diocese will send the funds to your church in the form of a check made out to your church.
    The next step will be for your church to set up your account and purchase your license in your church’s name at https://onelicense.net/

Congregational Development Commission

 

 

The Congregational Development Commission (CDC) provides funds for programs that strengthen congregations, especially those that are field testing new programs/initiatives on behalf of the diocese, done in partnership with other churches, or are part of a plan to spur significant growth, expand ministry, etc. CDC meets on the first Tuesday of every month.

Mustard Seed or Vineyard Grants

The CDC announces an ongoing grant program available to all congregations in Rhode Island. Do you envision a program or new ministry to help develop your congregation into a more faithful and vibrant expression of the Body of Christ? Do you have plans for making your congregation more responsive to the local challenges and opportunities before you in your community? How about ideas for transformative collaborations with other congregations that fit with your unique mission or vision for ministry? CDC Mustard Seed or Vineyard grants offer your congregation the financial support to put your vision into action. You can read about past recipient programs here.

Apply now for a Mustard Seed or Vineyard grant.

Mustard Seed grants are for proposals up to $2000. These grants can be approved immediately by the CDC at its monthly meetings.

Vineyard grants are proposals over $2000 and require both CDC and Diocesan Council approval. The application review and approval time for the Vineyard grants is two-three months.

Application Process:

The link above will take you to (a Wufoo) form which will serve as your application. You will be asked to upload an income statement. The application and your statement will be reviewed by the Grants and Loans Committee and if applicable forwarded to CDC and then if over $2,000.00 the grant request will be forwarded to Diocesan Council. You may be asked for additional information before a decision can be made. Grants and Loans Committee meets every Monday.  CDC meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Diocesan Council meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

Grant money available for your congregation’s Way of Love events

The Congregational Development Commission (CDC) would love to help fund events and programs sponsored and run by YOUR congregation which would invite people across the diocese to experience the different practices in the Way of Love.
Every three months the CDC will focus on one of the specific spiritual practices, and hopes to sponsor at least one congregation’s event each quarter. What is it that you might be able to plan that we can help fund so that you can share it with the entire diocese?
Apply for a CDC grant here.

 

Which practice we will focus on each quarter:

 

April-June 2019: Turn
July-Sept. 2019: Learn
Oct.-Dec. 2019: Pray

Jan.-Mar. 2020: Worship
April-June 2020: Bless
July-Sept 2020: Go
Oct.-Dec.: 2020: Rest

Church Periodical Club

The ministry of the Church Periodical Club (CPC) is to provide books, magazines, tapes, videos and computer programs free to those who cannot otherwise obtain them. Several of our congregations have received grants to cover the cost of Prayer Books, Hymnals, etc. Individuals and congregations can be members of the CPC to help raise funds to support its mission. We have both a Provincial and Diocesan representative.  Each year the Presiding Bishop designates one Sunday in the year (designates a Sunday, usually the first Sunday of May) for the observance of the work of spreading the Christian message through the Printed Word

Miles of Pennies

The Miles of Pennies Fund was established in 1988 on the 100th anniversary of The Church Periodical Club. The Miles of Pennies Fund Committee awarded its first grants in 1991. The maximum grant given by Miles of Pennies is $844.80 which represents one mile of pennies. The grants serve the needs of children from kindergarten through high school wherever there is a need.

Who may apply for a Miles of Pennies (M.O.P.) Grant?

Any organization, church or individual affiliated with the Anglican Communion may apply. For example: Christian Education Classes, Camps, VBS, Libraries, Tutor after school class, Happenings, Jr. DOK, Youth Ministry.

Tell us why is a grant needed.

A description of the on-going or new program or project for children and its relationship to the church and/or community, including an approximate number and the ages of the children involved, determines the need.

What can a grant be requested for?

1. Books, workbooks, manuals, videos, CD’s or audio-visual materials
2. Shipping and Handling costs of recycled books

Materials may be religious or secular but MUST be for children. (Pre-school thru High School Age)
The maximum amount of money requested may NOT exceed 1 Mile of Pennies – $844.80

To learn more visit: http://www.churchperiodical.com/

 

Episcopal Church Women

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is an organization within the Episcopal Church that “empowers women to do Christ’s ministry in the world.” The National ECW was formed in 1871 and here in Rhode Island we have a local ECW chapter that is also a member of the Province One ECW.

Grants and Scholarships

Here are the ways the ECW of RI aids and supports the missions and ministries of women:

ECWbannerUnited Thank Offering: The ECW sponsors the Episcopal Church’s United Thank Offering (UTO) in Rhode Island, by providing an ingathering event twice a year.

Scholarships: The ECW provides scholarships to help women who are advancing their education.  Click here to apply.

Grants to Non-profits: The National Episcopal Church Women (ECW) provides grants to missions that serve women and girls. Click here to apply. Please specify the nature and purpose of the organization. Be sure to explain specific projects being undertaken that need funding.

Hospitality The ECW assists with hospitality at Diocesan Convention and other events.

Contact us

Correspondence and donations may be sent to us at: Episcopal Church Women, The Diocese of Rhode Island, 275 North Main St, Providence RI 02903. Donations should be sent to the attention of the Treasurer. Please specify in the memo line whether your check is to go towards ECW funds or United Thank Offering.

 

National Episcopal Church Women

Mission – We are Episcopal Church Women of all ages, ethnic origins and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do His work.

Vision – Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a Godspark – shining and sharing the love of Christ.

 

 

Thrivent Loans & Grants

Church Loans

Thrivent Church Financing lends exclusively to Christian churches and organizations with a goal of helping them grow their ministries and facilities and make a difference in their local communities.

They offer traditional and flexible funding for:

  • Refinance of existing mortgage loans
  • Purchasing new property
  • Construction, expansion or renovation
  • Purchasing equipment for worship or facility needs
  • Repairs (parking lots, roofs, HVAC, etc.)

Thrivent Church Financing is a part of Thrivent Financial. Thrivent Financial creates financial strategies that help Christians be wise with money and live generously. Thrivent Financial offers a broad range of financial products and services, including life insurance, annuities and mutual funds, plus tailored guidance from financial representatives nationwide.

Thrivent is a unique kind of membership organization called a fraternal benefit society. By definition, a fraternal benefit society is a not-for-profit organization that provides insurance to its members and – this is key – has to carry out social, intellectual, educational, charitable, benevolent, moral, fraternal, patriotic or religious purposes for the benefit of its members and the public. So they don’t simply sell insurance, and they don’t simply do charitable work either. As a fraternal benefit society, they do both as they help Thrivent members on their wise with money journeys. Thrivent began as a Lutheran fund that has recently opened its programs to other denominations and is especially welcoming the Episcopal Church as our denominations have a concordat that makes us close partners.

Grants for Projects

In addition to financing, Thrivent Financial offers programs that support the values of faith, family and service, as well as opportunities for members to support organizations and causes they care about.

Credit Union

Thrivent also offers a Credit Union for its individual members and for churches.