Grants from both programs are awarded by vote of deanery assemblies. Applications can be submitted at any time from January through Oct. 13, 2023, and must have been approved by vote of the deanery assembly prior to submission to the diocesan offices for funding. A congregation may receive both Sending Serving and House of Mercy funds, for the same project or multiple projects, in a single year.
Once applications have been thus approved, please communicate award decisions (one submission per application) and send completed applications using this online form.
A year-end report is expected from each congregation that receives grant funds:
- If you were a recipient of a deanery grant in 2022 submit your report using this online form.
- If you were a recipient of a deanery grant in 2023 submit your report using this online form.
Sending Serving Grants
The Diocese of Massachusetts awards Sending Serving grant funds to support domestic and international programs that enhance the outreach ministries of congregations through new or existing programs. These programs support the vitality of congregations, youth and urban-ethnic-multicultural ministries. Collaborative projects are encouraged. Awarded funds must be matched by an equal contribution from the congregation(s), which may be raised through a targeted fundraising effort.
- In 2023, deaneries may apply for up to $4,000.
- Awarded funds must be matched by an equal contribution from the congregation(s), which may be raised through a targeted fundraising effort.
- See the attached document, below, for application information.
House of Mercy Grants
The Diocese of Massachusetts awards House of Mercy grant funds to support programs and projects that serve women and children in need.
- In 2023, deaneries may apply for up to $3,037.
- Matching funds are not required for this grant.
- See the attached document, below, for application information.
To be eligible for grants or loans administered by the Diocese of Massachusetts, congregations must be in compliance with basic reporting requirements. Please review these standards and check on your congregation's compliance prior to submitting an application:
- Parochial Report (2022 report due March 1, 2023; if grant is awarded prior to March 1, the 2021 report suffices)
- Annual Audit in process (2022 audit due Sept. 1, 2023; if award is prior to Sept. 1, the 2021 audit suffices)
- Annual Leadership Report including Safe Church Audit (2023 report due March 1, 2023; if award is prior to March 1, the 2022 report suffices)
- Clergy compensation form updated as changes are made and submitted to Church Pension Fund
- Current on payments (<90 days in arrears) annual assessment, diocesan loans, clergy pension, health premiums
- Diocesan grants that have a matching component may not include funds from other diocesan grants or the value of in-kind donations as part of their match. Matching grants must be matched by actual cash.
- Some grants have a reporting component required to qualify for future awards.
Award funds will not be issued until compliance requirements have been satisfied. Congregations not in compliance will be notified and will have 60 days to address the compliance requirements before the award is withdrawn.
Help is available. If you would like guidance or assistance from a Congregational Consultant with completing any of these requirements, please contact your regional canon.
Questions may be directed to Margaret Lias, Administrator for Governance and Grants, at mlias@diomass.org or 617-482-4826, ext. 229.
Learn more:
Find a brochure summarizing all diocesan grant and loan programs here.