VIRTUAL BUSINESS OFFICE
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
GRANTS AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES
ENDOWMENT GRANTS FOR MINISTRY
This program provides funds of up to $10,000 per year, per applicant from special endowments to support the establishment of projects undertaken by Parishes or Regional Councils of the Diocese of Maryland. Awards are made to create new ministries or expand existing ministries in the areas of: Congregational development, ministry of the laity, ordained ministry, social and outreach ministry.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The Sustainable Development Goals grant committee accepts applications from $2,500 up to 50% of funds available in any given year. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. Learn more about the SDGs.
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland commits 0.07% of its annual operating income to grants within the diocese for this work. Repeat applications are acceptable, with a three-year maximum per project. A similar project on a new site (serving new people) will be treated as a new project.
CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Robert W. Ihloff Fund for Congregational Development is a discretionary fund administered by the Bishop of Maryland to promote efforts in congregational development. Grants support efforts to grow healthy and vital congregations in the following areas: New church development/redevelopment of existing congregations, small church development, stewardship.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR CONGREGATIONS
The Financial Assistance for Congregations Committee is a committee of the Diocesan Council consisting of members from different sized churches in several regions of our diocese. They are responsible for discerning with you the ways that God is calling your congregation into the future. They are also charged with evaluating and disbursing the designated funds from our diocesan budget which will assist congregations that face financial hardship.
MIDDENDORF FUND
The Middendorf Fund provides loan funds to churches for capital improvements. Applications can be submitted any time during the year.
CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANTS
The Continuing Education Committee of the Diocese of Maryland provides grants to be used to further education for the Christian ministry of the laity and clergy of the Diocese. Your grant request should reflect a carefully considered program that provides the kind of continuing education that will enhance your own participation in ongoing ministry as well as strengthen the ministries of the congregation you serve and the Diocese as a whole.
CLERGY CHILD SCHOLARSHIPS
Undergraduate college scholarships for children of clergy who are canonically resident in Maryland. Contact Caroline Bomgardner in the Bishops’ Office, 410-467-1399 ext. 1379 or cbomgardner@episcopalmaryland.org.