Regional Grants
Types of Grants
Three categories were established for applicants to apply for grants: Regional Missional Initiatives, Diocesan Missional Initiatives, and Church Assistance. The three types are listed in order of priority, as the emphasis for Regional Executive Committees remains Regional Missional Initiatives.
Regional Missional Initiatives are those activities and ministries within Episcopal churches of the regions, individual churches and churches partnering together with other Episcopal churches or churches of different denominations, and regional non-profit entities. Missional initiatives must benefit the churches involved by positively impacting the community in areas of social justice, poverty, education, faith development, and wellness. Missional Initiatives founded, housed, and supported by Episcopal churches will have priority over community non-profit organizations.
Diocesan Missional Initiatives (DMI) are those activities and ministries that benefit the Church by positively impacting communities in social justice, poverty, education, faith development, and wellness. DMI’s can seek funding from any or all of the Episcopal Church regions in Colorado. Regions are not obligated to approve grants to DMIs but are asked to consider them for the good of the whole diocese.
Church Assistance requests are intended to support the operational aspects of a church that align with its mission and the broader vision for congregational development within the Diocese. These may include needs related to buildings and grounds, staffing, or non-missional ministries. Requests should be submitted to the regional bodies and will be considered in consultation with the Office of the Bishop and the Standing Committee. Funding decisions will be guided by a strategic assessment of the church’s needs, sustainability, and role within the Diocese’s overall mission. Church Assistance funding is not meant to cover deferred maintenance or simply supplement existing staff salaries. Instead, it should be directed toward efforts that are clearly missional in nature—such as launching a new staff role to grow a ministry or making building modifications that enhance accessibility for individuals with physical impairments.
For Congregations and Missions Applying for Grants: Assessment-Compliance Policy
To support a healthy and sustainable diocesan community, the Episcopal Church in Colorado maintains an Assessment-Compliance Policy for Diocesan Grants. This policy ensures that congregations contribute to our shared mission by meeting their annual 10% diocesan assessment or actively working toward compliance through an approved plan. Rather than being punitive, this approach fosters transparency and partnership, encouraging open conversations about stewardship and shared responsibility.
Grant Process
- Grant applications are due by October 1 each year for disbursement the following calendar year.
- Grant applications seeking funding from more than one region should clearly state the amount they are requesting from each region.
- Applications are distributed to the respective Regional Missioners.
- Regional Missioners meet with the Canon for Mission & Operations to coordinate and clarify applications.
- The Regional Executive Committee reviews all requests received and interviews with applicants between October 15 and November 30.
- Applications shall then be reviewed jointly by the Canon for Mission & Operations, Regional Missioners, and the Bishop to ensure clear communication and coordination.
- Decisions will be communicated to applicants no later than December 1.
How to Apply
All grant requests for regional mission initiatives must be complete at the time of submission and should include the following:
For mission initiatives sponsored by parishes, missions, or special congregations:
- Fill out the online submission form (see link below) which will ask these following questions:
- the amount of the request
- a narrative explanation of the need for funding
- which category grant you are requesting funding (Regional Mission Initiative, Diocesan Mission Initiative, Church Assistance).
- how this grant will deepen participation in the mission of God as lived and proclaimed in your setting
- a statement disclosing all other sources of funding for the project
- the date(s) payment(s) are desired, if granted
- what plans are in place to ensure self-sufficiency for projects that might require multi-year supplemental funding.
(Within the online application for there will be places to attach the following documents)
- Current income statement and balance sheet for the organization
- Budget for current year
- Budget estimate (income/expense) for the year the grant is sought (e.g., 2024 financials for a grant payout in fiscal year 2024)
- Written verification of vestry, bishop’s committee, or board support; whether the sponsoring congregation is matching funds; and if not, why it believes this mission initiative is important but cannot be funded by their congregation.
- Applications for ministries supported by a congregation must be submitted by the vestry/bishop’s committee of that church, including required attachments to the application.
For parishes, missions, special congregations, and diocesan institutions:
- Fill out the online submission form (see link below) which will ask these following questions:
- the amount of the request
- a narrative explanation of the need for funding
- which category grant you are requesting funding (Regional Mission Initiative, Diocesan Mission Initiative, Church Assistance).
- a statement disclosing all other sources of funding for the project
- the date(s) payment(s) are desired, if granted
- what plans are in place to ensure self-sufficiency for projects that might require multi-year supplemental funding.
(Within the online application for there will be places to attach the following documents)
- Current income statement and balance sheet
- Budget for current year
- Budget estimate (income/expense) for the year the grant is sought (e.g., 2024 financials for a grant payout in fiscal year 2024)
- Most recent annual parochial report (if applicable)
- Written verification of vestry, bishop’s committee, or board support
- Copy of most recent completed audit, or demonstration that an audit is in progress
Grant Reporting Requirements
Any parish, mission, special congregation or diocesan institution who receives a grant for a regional mission initiative must fulfill the following:
- Submit a written report that outlines the use/accounting of grant monies, the outcome/progress of the mission initiative, and movement towards self-sufficiency.
- Present a verbal report at the Fall Regional Convocation that shares the goals, progress, and outcomes of the mission initiative to the regional delegates to Annual Convention.