Diocesan Council has tasked the Mission Initiatives Committee with facilitating the grant request process and making recommendations to Council regarding congregations, programs and chaplaincies that receive funding through the annual diocesan budget under the “Mission Initiatives” category. This entails developing and maintaining applications, establishing guidelines to promote alignment with diocesan mission strategy and recommending funding.
Additionally, the Mission Initiatives Committee receives reports, provides evaluations and makes recommendations to Diocesan Council. Please refer to the Mission Initiatives Committee Grant Guidance document attached at the bottom of this page for additional information on the role of the committee, funding philosophy and guidance on program entry and continuing participation.
The Mission Initiatives Committee looks forward to receiving and reviewing applications and has prepared the following guidance and instructions for those inclined to apply. Please note that priority will be given to under-resourced congregations and eligible programs for funding during this budget year.
Parameters for prospective grantees
- Funding in 2025: Funding in 2025 is only available for returning grantees who seek to continue their mission with diocesan support. Funding was not allocated in this budget cycle for potential new grantees. Applications for the 2026 budget cycle are due by May 23, 2025.
- Reporting: All current grantees were notified via e-mail to submit a written report by March 28, 2025. The reporting form is linked below.
- Alignment with diocesan mission strategy: Any proposal/application for Mission Initiatives funding should be aligned with, and deemed capable of advancing, the shared goals of our diocesan mission strategy and ultimately should bring the Gospel to life in our time.
Application basics
Applications should include:
- Name of congregation and/or program
- Address
- Contact person for the application (name, e-mail and phone number)
- Name of sponsoring clergy (if applicable)
- Grant requested for 2026 and supporting rationale
Application instructions and evaluation questions
Response limit: No single answer should be more than 500 words. Materials attached that were not sought by the application or the Mission Initiatives Committee will be discarded, and the application may be deemed "non-responsive" and not advanced to further review.
Alignment with diocesan mission strategy: How does this initiative or program facilitate one or more of the following? Focus on the two where your initiative or program is in greatest alignment.
- Inviting robust Christian formation at all points of life
- Nurturing healthy communities where we can care for ourselves and each other
- Sharing the Good News
- Seeking greater unity as members one of another
- Committing to our own growth as people who live in right relationship with one another
- Working together against the climate crisis
- Influencing public policy by advocating justice for all people and for the creation
- Communicating our collective progress toward true transformation of our ourselves and our world regularly and transparently
Needs basis and response: How did you identify the needs addressed through this initiative or program and how are you responding?
Enlivening the Gospel: How is the Gospel made alive in this initiative or project?
Administration: How is this initiative or program administered? Note that later in the application, the roster of your governing body will be sought.
Achievement of goals: How will Mission Initiatives funding help you accomplish your goals this year (and in the Option Year if sought)?
Funding: What are your other sources of funding? Note: Other/alternative sources of funding for initiatives aligned with diocesan mission strategy are encouraged, not discouraged.
Funding plan/sustainability: What is your plan for expanding your capacity to raise funds so that you can become less dependent on Mission Initiatives funding through the annual diocesan budget?
Longer-term goals: What are the goals of this initiative or program beyond the first year of Mission Initiatives support?
Applications and deadlines
The Mission Initiatives Committee has opened the process for reporting and re-application for existing Mission Initiatives grantees for the coming 2026 budget development cycle.
- Find the application form for existing grantees for budget year 2026 here (due May 23, 2025).
- Find the reporting form for 2025 funding here.
Contact
Questions may be e-mailed to MissionInitiatives@diomass.org. For assistance with any of the forms or submission of reports, please contact the Rev. Margaret Lias, Coordinator for Governance and Grants, at mlias@diomass.org.