An Invitation to the Parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin:
2025 Spring Mission and Ministry Grant Opportunities!
The diocesan Parish Resource Team, in cooperation with the Office of the Bishop, invite parishes in the diocese to apply for a mission and ministry grant. Here are the grant criteria:
Strengthen the parish’s mission and ministry to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ (examples include formation, worship, community building activities, evangelism, communications, and other ways of living into this fundamental mission).
Deepen the engagement of the parish with the community in which it is located (examples include partnering with local services and outreach and service ministries, participation in and support of local initiatives for direct service, advocacy, hosting community gatherings, trainings, and more)
Foster healthy and effective community life, organization, and structure within the parish itself (examples include utilization of a congregational consultant to look at how the parish functions as a community, addressing communication, conflict, working toward a sense of common mission and vision, and more)
Parishes can apply for two different types of grants. A ministry grant is for up to $1000 and can be used to support and strengthen an on-going ministry or smaller project that may need some additional support that is not in the annual budget. A development grant can be up to $5000 and is geared toward a ministry or initiative that is new or a re-working of a current ministry. Included with this larger grant can be costs connected to a professional facilitator, a training, materials for a new curriculum, equipment needed to support and strengthen a ministry, or other ways that a larger sum can be of assistance.
The deadline for grant application is April 1, 2025. Parishes may apply for one grant in each category, for two different projects. Parishes will be notified by May 1 if they have received a grant and the amount to be given.
To apply, be prepared to provide the following:
Ministry Grant (up to $1000)
A description of the purpose for the grant request
A description of how the funds will be used
Describe how you will evaluate the efficacy of the grant
Statement affirming the support of lay and clergy leadership in the parish to make the grant application
In six months, be prepared to send a photo or two (or more!) and a brief narrative as to how the grant has been/is being used.
Development Grant (up to $5000)
All the requirements of the Ministry Grant (see above), AND
A detailed budget as to how grant funds will be used
How is the parish planning to sustain this ministry after funding is dispersed? Will there be a continued need of funding from the diocese? Will the parish be partnering with other congregations or entities in the community?
Indicate if there may be a need for on-going support for this ministry or project (for example, will this new undertaking require support in the following year?)
Please provide contact information (phone number and email) for the parish, Sr. Warden, and clergy leadership.