The Grants Committee of the Diocese of Maine is rolling out a new process in 2025 with the goal of making grantmaking easy, accessible to everyone, and transparent.
Please join Bishop Brown and the Grants Committee on Tue., Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. for a Grants Town Hall to learn what grants are available, the types of projects and ministries that can be funded, and how to apply.
It is especially important for those considering applying for a grant in 2025, but we hope leaders from every congregation will attend. All are welcome!
International and Domestic Poverty Grants
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine makes funds available annually to support international and domestic efforts and ministries that help to alleviate poverty. Any Maine congregation or program group may offer a proposal for consideration to fund an international or domestic outreach or effort.
Some Past International Poverty Grant Recipients:
- Christ Church, Gardiner to be put toward the school in Morne Rosette, Haiti
- Cathedral of St. Luke, Portland for the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza to provide psychiatrics support for traumatized children and caregivers
- St. Nicholas’, Scarborough toward the purchase of a case of medical supplies through Konbit Sante for Haiti
- Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza
- Midwife education support in Haiti
- Teachers’ salaries in the Diocese of Liberia
- Ministry of St. George’s Anglican Church in Baghdad
- School projects in Kenya and South Sudan
- Restoration Laos
- Mother Empowerment Program at Jerusalem’s Princess Basma Center
- Episcopal Peace Fellowship to support the “Food for Families” program in Beirut
- Christ Church, Gardiner for support of the Rosette School and community of Morne Rosette, Haiti.
- Restoration Laos for the work of disarming and clearing unexploded remnants of war and restoring land and safety in rural Laos
Past Domestic Poverty Grant Recipients:
- Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston to prepare for safe winter operations during the pandemic
- St. Luke’s Food Pantry in Portland to meet increased need for food
- Trinity, Lewiston to provide emergency shelter, hotel rooms and transportation, to those on the streets on nights below zero degrees
- Church at 209 in Augusta to support the settlement Iraqi refugees
- “Dinner is Served” community meal program out of St. Brendan’s, Deer Isle
- Yarmouth Compassionate Housing Initiative to provide emergency housing for refugee families
- Loaves and Fishes at St. Peter’s in Rockland, a collaborative, community, weekend lunch program
- Food Pantry at Paris Elementary School
- St. Barnabas, Rumford Essentials Pantry
- Trinity, Portland in support of their “Laundry Love” ministry, which provides relief to individuals without homes as well as those who are struggling financially
- Bridging the Gap, Augusta to support Addie’s Attic Clothing Bank and the purchase of essential and winter clothing for families in need.
New Initiative Fund Grants
Dreaming about a new ministry in your community? New Initiative Fund grants are a way you can support your call to mission! Each congregation, diocesan committee, or program group in the Diocese of Maine is eligible to apply for funding to support NEW ministries, expand existing ministries in new directions, or to discern ministry possibilities in their community.
A Few Past New Initiative Grant Recipients:
- St. Paul’s, Brunswick in their support of new Mainers
- St. George’s, Sanford for their Baby Blessings ministry
- Trinity, Lewiston to support “Gifts in Common,” a ministry exploring church-neighborhood interaction, to include a documentary and community art workshop
Loring Fund Grants
The Loring Fund is designed to benefit congregations by supporting clergy in the Diocese of Maine. This support is made possible by providing funds for continuing education and sabbatical programs which enhance a clergy person’s preaching, pastoral care, counseling, and leadership roles. Applications are accepted at any time!
Loring Fund Grant Application & Guidelines
Wolf Fund Grants
The Frederick S. Wolf Fund for Enablement and Education for Lay Ministry was established by unanimous approval at the 166th Diocesan Convention as a means of acknowledging the emphasis placed by Bishop Wolf on active and informed laity. Grants from the Fund are made to lay persons, either as individuals or groups, to develop specific knowledge and/or skills to further their ministry in the Diocese of Maine. Applications are accepted at any time!
Wolf Fund Grant Application & Guidelines
Grants Committee 2024
Please send applications and questions to [email protected].
Lucia Elder
Rev. Ted Gaiser, Chair
Rev. Rebecca Grant
Rev. Lynn Rutledge