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.

There is one basic application form for all Diocesan funded Grants and Loans except for the streaming grant application, which is listed separately below. 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.

The Grants and Loans committee meets every Monday. 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.

Please review the different types of Grants and Loans below.

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.

Technology (A/V) Grant:

Funds in the amount of $20,000.00 have been made available by Diocesan Council for the year 2021 for Technology grants to churches. Apply for this grant to get started with new or upgrading your Audio and Visual Equipment.  This grant offers a way to get a consult about equipment and funding amounts through a three tier system:

Tier 1: (No money needed)

Some churches have equipment like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone that can be used to stream to Zoom, Facebook, Google, etc. The problem is simply a lack of knowledge of how to set this up. Help is available to assist in getting set up.  ​It is not necessary to engage outside help if the church feels they have sufficient knowledge of equipment requirements or configuring a streaming broadcast. Churches should contact Kristin Knudson (kristin@episcopalri.org) to arrange an appointment with one of our volunteer guides.

Tier 2: (Minimal Investment)

Most parishes would benefit by purchasing an iPad, a bracket to mount a tablet or smartphone, a better microphone or camera, software subscriptions, etc. The Diocese will reimburse up to $1000 for this type of equipment/software and applicable labor. Simply submit an itemized receipt to the Grants & Loans Committee for retroactive grants, or a quote/budgetary estimate with your application and reimbursement will be processed.

 Tier 3: (Next Level Productions)

Several churches would like a more impressive online presence. The desire is to create a higher quality, edited production and uploading it to Vimeo, YouTube, etc. This might require investing in better equipment, software, etc. The Diocese is willing to pay for half of the cost beyond the $1000 outright grant up to a total of $3000. Parishes can spend more than that, of course. (For example, if a parish spends $15,000 then the diocese will reimburse the first $1,000 (Tier 2) and then another $2,000 (Tier 3). The remaining cost is assumed by the parish. Likewise, if a different parish submits a grant for $2,000 of costs, the first $1,000 will be reimbursed and then an additional $500 which is 50% of the remaining amount.)  As with Tier 2, simply submit an itemized receipt to the Grants & Loans Committee for retroactive grants, or a quote/budgetary estimate with your application and reimbursement will be processed.

 Diocesan Grants for Parish Audio/Visual Upgrades Policy

A/V Grants will only be authorized to cover A/V hardware, software, and installation/training to use new systems.  They will not be used to cover electrical, environmental, or other infrastructure improvements to support the A/V system.  They are also not intended to cover online streaming services or other broadcast media.

Grants may be retroactive for purchases already made in 2020, but applications must be submitted by June 1, 2021. After September 2021, churches who have already been granted money in 2021 (for a 2020 purchase) and who have incurred additional A/V expenses in 2021, may submit a second grant application for those expenses beginning September 1, 2021.  Retroactive grant requests must be accompanied by receipts for the equipment purchased, quotes or budgetary estimates must accompany requests for planned purchases.

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.

Episcopal Charities:

Provides funds for outreach and service ministries in Rhode Island

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