The Episcopal Church is inviting dioceses and mission developers across the church to apply for New Episcopal Community grants, a tiered funding program supporting worshipping communities at every stage from early discernment through to established growth. The program backs the full lifecycle of new church plants and missional enterprises, recognizing that different stages of development carry different financial and strategic needs.
About the New Episcopal Community Grants Program
Administered by The Episcopal Church’s Office for Church Planting and Redevelopment, the program provides annual competitive grants to new worshipping communities and missional enterprises operating under the sponsorship of a recognized Episcopal diocese. The grants are structured around four distinct stages of community development, each with its own funding ceiling and eligibility criteria. Grantees are announced following the Executive Council meeting in October. The Episcopal Church allocates nearly $10 million each year across its full portfolio of grants and scholarships.
Funding Size
- Discernment Grants: up to $5,000 for communities in the early visioning and discernment stage
- Seed Grants: up to $30,000 for communities in their first or second year
- Growth Grants: up to $30,000 for communities in approximately their second and third years
- Harvest Grants: up to $40,000 for communities in the later launch stages, approximately years three to six
- Funds may be used for salary and benefits, insurance, rent, educational materials, and other operating expenses
Who Can Apply
- Episcopal dioceses submitting on behalf of a new worshipping community or missional enterprise
- Individual mission developers with diocesan sponsorship and endorsement
- Any new Episcopal Community with a sponsoring diocese is eligible to apply regardless of size or geography
- Applicants must have active diocesan endorsement at the time of submission
Geographic Eligibility
- Open to all Episcopal dioceses and communities throughout The Episcopal Church
- No geographic restrictions within the church’s jurisdictions
Sector or Thematic Focus
- Church planting and new worshipping community development
- Missional enterprise and innovative ministry models
- Community discernment, launch, growth, and sustainability
- Evangelism and outreach through new Episcopal communities
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through The Episcopal Church grants portal. A grant application guide and diocesan endorsement forms are available for download on the New Episcopal Community grants page. Applicants are encouraged to contact the program’s interim church planting network strategist with questions before submitting.
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Required Materials
- Completed online grant application
- Diocesan endorsement form signed by the sponsoring diocese
- Ministry plan aligned to the relevant grant stage
- Budget demonstrating use of grant funds for operating and program expenses
Key Dates
- Grantees announced: following the Executive Council meeting in October 2026
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Selection Notes
- Applications are evaluated on the strength and realism of the ministry plan, the depth of diocesan support, and the stage-appropriate use of funds
- Seed grant applicants must demonstrate the beginnings of a core team and clear diocesan backing