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 the first Monday of every month. 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