Are you ready to grow your parish ministry?
Parish mission grants help local churches in the Diocese of Long Island fund outreach ministry, grow in sustainability, and cultivate the gifts necessary to live out their ministry calling, both practically and spiritually.
Depending on the needs and scope of your ministries, grants of up to $15,000 are available for programs sponsored by an individual congregation, or up to $20,000 for programs sponsored by a group of congregations or a deanery. Parishes are able to apply again, either for an application that has been rejected or to renew funding for ministries with the appropriate need.
Do not wait to get in touch, even if you are only thinking about applying for a grant!
Our application process is approachable and accessible, and we're happy to work with you throughout, starting from the earliest parts of the process. Once you've reviewed the materials, reach out to our Director of Programs for assistance.
Applicants are encouraged to discern, through prayer and active listening, the needs and hopes of their neighbors, recognizing the gifts already present in their communities. We invite parishes to partner with EMLI in developing ministries that are sustainable and transformative and to collaborate with community organizations and the wider faith community to strengthen relationships, expand resources, and improve outcomes for those served.
Materials You'll Need to Apply for a Grant
Grant Application
Use this fillable PDF document to outline the goals of your parish ministry and tell us more about the work you plan to do. It will help you identify community needs, assess your strengths and challenges, and encourage the intentional stewardship of ministry resources.
Budget Template
This budget template is a tool for you to inform EMLI how financial resources will be allocated and used purposefully by your ministry. It is available in both Excel and Google Sheets format. Be sure to reach out to our Director of Programs with any questions, even very early in your application process.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Mission Grants are designed to fund the launch of new ministries and programs, or the expansion of existing ones.
The ministry must be affiliated with a Parish, Mission, or Deanery within the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.
The ministry must have dedicated coordinators and/or a committee that supports the program through personal involvement.
The ministry must have the enthusiastic support of clergy and lay leaders within the congregation and financial commitment from the parish.
EMLI Mission Grants may NOT be used for the following:
Payments on existing debt
Deferred maintenance or capital expenses (although improvements to the facility for specific mission program purposes will be considered)
REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARD RECIPIENTS
The following is agreed upon by funded parishes:
Certify that the funds will be used for the intended ministry.
Contact EMLI for approval if unforeseen circumstances require substantial change in the use of the funds.
Return unused grant funds at the end of the funding cycle or demonstrate how they will be used to maintain or enhance the ministry's effort.
Submit a Progress Report within 12 months from when the grant funds were received.
Provide detailed accounting of how grant funds were spent, with adequate documentation (receipts, payroll registers, etc.), if requested.
Include an acknowledgement of funding from Episcopal Ministries of Long Island on any promotional literature pertaining to the ministry program.
Collaborate with EMLI’s Communications Manager to share stories of your work to inform and engage constituents.