GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Program/Ministry Grants
Funding for Program/Ministry Grants was removed from the 2024 Budget (See email from Bishop Fitzpatrick on 12/31/2023):
I write to remind you that the 2024 Diocesan Budget adopted by Diocesan Convention includes no provision for program grants.
You’ll remember that the program grants were removed from the 2024 budget because of (1) a pattern of lowering the assessment rate on congregations over the past fifteen years (now at an all-time low of 16.5%), (2) the policy to try to get portfolio draws down to 4% (currently set at 4.5% with the goal of 4% in 2025), and (3) a general belt tightening in light of the impact of the Maui fire on the whole Diocese (insurance premiums, etc.). The program grant line had declined precipitously over the past few years – especially during the pandemic. It is now gone.
Diocesan Council is still exploring other sources for congregational program grants, but that will take time to discern.
Emergency grants are still available in 2024. You’ll remember these grants are defined as: “… to help fund congregations with unplanned/unforeseen expenses such as retaining walls, sewer systems, plumbing, electrical, technology upgrades during the Pandemic, etc. and essential ministries that support the vision and goals of the Episcopal Church in Hawai‘i. These grants of up to $3,000 can be approved by the Bishop and grants over $3,000 must be approved by Diocesan Council on the recommendation of the Bishop.” Requests for these grants often come through the Commission on Property. Again, these grants are for emergencies, and not for program or ministry initiatives.
Realistically, there will be no “program” grants for most congregations in 2024.
As you explore new ministry opportunities and program initiatives, Canon Sandy and I will help as best we can to seek outside funding or help you navigate alternatives.
Sent with my Christmas blessing and prayers for peaceful 2024.
+Bob
The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
(Pronouns: he, him, his)
Funding for Program/Ministry Grants was removed from the 2024 Budget (See email from Bishop Fitzpatrick on 12/31/2023):
I write to remind you that the 2024 Diocesan Budget adopted by Diocesan Convention includes no provision for program grants.
You’ll remember that the program grants were removed from the 2024 budget because of (1) a pattern of lowering the assessment rate on congregations over the past fifteen years (now at an all-time low of 16.5%), (2) the policy to try to get portfolio draws down to 4% (currently set at 4.5% with the goal of 4% in 2025), and (3) a general belt tightening in light of the impact of the Maui fire on the whole Diocese (insurance premiums, etc.). The program grant line had declined precipitously over the past few years – especially during the pandemic. It is now gone.
Diocesan Council is still exploring other sources for congregational program grants, but that will take time to discern.
Emergency grants are still available in 2024. You’ll remember these grants are defined as: “… to help fund congregations with unplanned/unforeseen expenses such as retaining walls, sewer systems, plumbing, electrical, technology upgrades during the Pandemic, etc. and essential ministries that support the vision and goals of the Episcopal Church in Hawai‘i. These grants of up to $3,000 can be approved by the Bishop and grants over $3,000 must be approved by Diocesan Council on the recommendation of the Bishop.” Requests for these grants often come through the Commission on Property. Again, these grants are for emergencies, and not for program or ministry initiatives.
Realistically, there will be no “program” grants for most congregations in 2024.
As you explore new ministry opportunities and program initiatives, Canon Sandy and I will help as best we can to seek outside funding or help you navigate alternatives.
Sent with my Christmas blessing and prayers for peaceful 2024.
+Bob
The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
(Pronouns: he, him, his)
Bishop's Emergency Grants
Funding Approval
Acceptable Use of Funds
To help fund congregations with unplanned/unforeseen expenses such as retaining walls, sewer systems, plumbing, electrical, technology upgrades during the Pandemic, etc. and essential ministries that support the vision and goals of the Episcopal Church in Hawai‘i.
Please contact Nani Carroll HERE if you would like to apply for an emergency grant.
Funding Approval
- Up to $3,000 can be approved by the Bishop
- Over $3,000 must be approved by Diocesan Council on the recommendation of the Bishop
Acceptable Use of Funds
To help fund congregations with unplanned/unforeseen expenses such as retaining walls, sewer systems, plumbing, electrical, technology upgrades during the Pandemic, etc. and essential ministries that support the vision and goals of the Episcopal Church in Hawai‘i.
Please contact Nani Carroll HERE if you would like to apply for an emergency grant.
