2019 Ministry Grants Awarded

The Ministry Grant Committee of Diocesan Council met recently to review eight grant applications. The committee was very impressed with the creativity and mission focus of the applications, which made it quite difficult to determine distribution of the available funds. After careful consideration, the committee awarded six grants totaling $46,100.

The Ministry Grants are for initiatives that will enhance the mission and ministry of the Diocese, with special consideration given for awarding grants to missions and worship groups. The committee identifies innovative and worthwhile ministries in a church where a relatively modest amount of grant money can make a significant difference.

One example from this year’s grant applications, is the partnership that St. Catherine’s is starting with Savannah Grove Elementary School. The $10,000 grant will enable the church to “buy books…, food for classroom parties, and whatever else the classroom teachers request to help their students become proficient in reading and writing.” The church will also be supporting the school through volunteer time offered by their own parishioners and from Cross & Crown Lutheran Church.

This year’s Ministry Grants awards are:

• East Cooper Episcopal Church - $1,000 - Flower ministry
• Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Summerville - $13,000 - Formation and Clergy support
• Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston - $7,100 - New website to connect them to the community
• St. Catherine's Episcopal Church, Florence - $10,000 - Partnership with Savannah Grove Elementary School
• St. Francis Episcopal Church, West Ashley - $10,000 - Local outreach initiatives with their community and Lutheran neighbors.
• St. Philip's Episcopal Church, Denmark - $5,000 - Alternative Sunday Brunch Program for students

The churches will report back to the Ministry committee with a written report detailing how the funds were used and the number of people who supported.

The 2020 Ministry Grants will open in spring of 2020. This is a great time to begin thinking of ideas for next year. Grant requests can be submitted for, but are not limited to, new or continued initiatives that will enhance parish life. If you have questions about the grant process or this year’s grants, please contact Andrea McKellar, Diocesan Ministry Developer at [email protected].