Grants & Loans
There are multiple grants and loans available to individuals and faith communities from The Episcopal Church, the Board of Trustees, the Episcopal Bishop of Oregon Foundation (EBOF), and others.
Please inform the bishop if you or your faith community apply for an external grant.
Diocesan Grants
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Board of Trustees Grant & Loan
The Board of Trustees has authority over the invested funds of the diocese. Some funds are in restricted accounts, limited to loans; others are unrestricted and may be used for either grants or loans.
The trustees have a fiduciary obligation to conserve diocesan funds. Therefore, grants or loans are made where we believe it is a sound investment for the diocese as a whole. Thoughtful answers and gathering of materials allow the trustees to make informed decisions on behalf of the diocese.
Per Canon 3.6, upon receipt at the diocesan office, applications for funds for building, remodeling, or additions of a permanent nature will be forwarded to the Commission on Church Architecture and Allied Arts. Applications for funds for programs or redevelopment will be forwarded to the Mission and Ministry Committee of the Diocesan Council. That Committee or the Council as a whole may request additional information.
Episcopal Bishop of Oregon Foundation (EBOF) Grant
Episcopal Bishop of Oregon Foundation (EBOF) fulfills God’s work in the world by granting funds for tangible needs such as housing, food, the well-being of seniors, youth and families, in addition to supporting staff to nurture these ministries. EBOF will continue to consider grants which address healing, racial justice and inclusivity throughout the diocese. Our strategic priority through 2023-2024 is to support ministries in rural communities working toward gospel justice.
| Applications received by: | Awards Determined by: |
| February 28 (29) May 31 August 31 November 30 |
April 15 |
Thanksgiving Offering Grant
Many of our congregations in the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon are responding to the suffering of our underserved populations through a variety of ministries. The Housing Crisis Working Group is charged by the Bishop to develop approaches incorporating thought, word and deed to accompany congregations in these ministries.
Partial funding for these efforts will be overseen by the Diocesan Council, including the distribution of the Thanksgiving Offering. If your community is looking for support of a project, such as food pantries, community gardens, medical clinics, and houseless shelters, please fill out an application.
Grants are limited to $500 per congregation.
You can download the application here.
Please contact Diocesan Council member Tim Shields if you have any questions.
Pentecost Offering Grant
Canon 5.4 of the diocese, section 4, reads:
An offering shall be taken in each Parish and Mission of the Diocese upon Pentecost Sunday, which shall be transmitted to the Treasurer of the Diocese. The offering shall be used as designated by Diocesan Council.
Over the years, Diocesan Council has designated the Pentecost Offering for a variety of different types and numbers of ministries. Historically, the designations have held in balance the two different and yet related interpretations of the Spirit of Pentecost. On the one hand, Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. In this spirit, the offering or a portion of the offering has often been designated for “bricks and mortar.” On the other hand, Pentecost is the great baptismal feast that expresses the empowerment of Christians to be Jesus in the world.
Episcopal Church
Grants & Loans
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Building Fund Loan
The Episcopal Church Building Fund helps congregations thrive through the strategic, resourceful and creative use of their buildings. ECBF loans are available to Episcopal Church congregations for building and renovation projects for churches, schools, rectories and expansions of ministry projects. And through our consulting services, we help congregations to develop new and vital ways of “being church.”
Visit the Episcopal Church Building Fund website and complete a loan application here.
Episcopal Church Grants & Scholarships
The Episcopal Church allocates around $10 million yearly in grants and scholarships from its budget and trust funds. Grants are meant to support dioceses, congregations, institutions, communities, and individuals across the Anglican Communion.
View all of The Episcopal Church’s Grant and Scholarship opportunities on its website.
Episcopal Church Women Grants
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) has supported women and children worldwide since their founding. Their grants focus on feeding, educating, and strengthening communities through Christian stewardship.
ECW offers around eight different grants; some are awarded at the timely discretion of the ECW Board and others throughout the Episcopal Triennial calendar.
Learn more about their grants and apply on their website (available below their donation information).
Historical Society of the Episcopal Church Grants
The Historical Society of the Episcopal Church offers grants to individuals, organizations, or ecclesiastical groups to support research, conferences or events, or publication relating to the history of the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Regular grants are generally funded for $500-$2,000.
Learn more on their website.
RESOURCES FOR GRANT WRITING
Tips for a successful grant proposal:
- Carefully read the instructions and follow the directions;
- Research and include any data from your work in your proposal;
- Share your story and goals authentically;
- Highlight any potential challenges of your project;
- Check grammar and spelling;
- Have an external reader look over your proposal;
- When possible, use the same language the application used;
- Provide an aligned budget and project timeline;
- Set SMART goals. (SMART = Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound);
- Specify how you will evaluate your project.
What funders look for in a proposal:
- It aligns with the organization and grant’s goals and mission;
- The objective of the proposal is easy to read;
- The timeline and budget are realistic;
- Can be replicated or sustained with other sources of funding;
- It is data-driven and can be shared as a success story.
Outline of a grant proposal:
- Abstract/Summary
- Statement of Need
- Project Activity, Methodology, and Outcomes
- Evaluation Process (if required)
- Findings Dissemination
- Budget and Sustainable Funding Plan
Supplemental documents to include:
- Information on your Board of Directors (if applicable)
- Resumes/Bios of staff involved with the project
- Audited Financial Statements
- Most recent IRS 990 Tax Filing
- IRS W-9 Form
- Support Letters from Partners
Source: The Diocese of Northern California.