The Grants Committee of Diocesan Council was restructured in 2022 in order to better shepherd the various grant funds available in the diocese. Since then, the committee continues to look at each grant and assess its relevance in a world where congregational and community needs have evolved. Wherever possible, the committee hopes to make the process of grantmaking lively, easy, accessible, and transparent. The committee continues to implement improvements.
All grants awarded must fulfill the criteria below:
- Embody our baptismal promise to seek and serve Christ in others, respecting the dignity of every human being.
- Have energetic leadership with experience and passion for their ministry.
- Have program evaluation processes in place and an articulated plan to achieve sustainability and/or have significant or lasting impact.
- Are willing to share personnel, resources, and best practices with the Diocese.
- Demonstrate innovative thinking, transparency, equity, fairness, and collaboration.
Mission Priority Grants
The Grants Committee of the Diocese of Maine strives to allocate funds in an appropriate and responsible way to established programs, committees, and ministries of the diocese.
Mission Priority Grant Guidelines & Application Form
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.
New Initiative Fund Grant Guidelines & Application
A Few Past New Initiative Grant Recipients:
- St. Paul’s, Brunswick in their support of new Mainers
- Trinity, Lewiston to support “Gifts in Common,” a ministry exploring church-neighborhood interaction, to include a documentary and community art workshop
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 to Diocesan Council for consideration to fund an international or domestic outreach or effort.
International and Domestic Poverty Grant Guidelines & How to Apply
Some Past International Poverty Grant Recipients:
- Christ Church, Gardiner to be put toward salaries of teachers 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
- 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
- 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.
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 2023
Please send applications and questions to [email protected].
Rev. Thom Rock, Chair
Lucia Elder
Rev. Ted Gaiser
Rev. Rebecca Grant
Rev. Lynn Rutledge