The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts administers more than $2 million in grants, plus capital and "green" loans (the Bud Cederholm Green Loan Fund), to congregations and clergy as we promote our mission to become the people God created us to be: disciples of Christ, seekers of justice and protectors of creation. In addition to these grants, our diocese makes nearly $2 million in Mission Initiatives grants to congregations, chaplaincies and community programs.
For a history of our grant-making, see annual Diocesan Convention budget books here.
Boston Episcopal Charitable Society
Established in 1724 by a group of Anglicans in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, the Boston Episcopal Charitable Society provides supplemental financial assistance to individuals in Episcopal congregations in the Diocese of Massachusetts through their parish priests.
Case Trust/Bristol County Fund
The Case Trust, left by the Case family of Swansea, provides funds to support the diocesan mission in the Episcopal parishes of Bristol County.
Church Home Society
The Church Home Society is an independent non-profit corporation related to the Episcopal Church. Its objective is to provide support to young persons through a program of making financial grants to both religious and secular organizations which work with and/or for young persons, and further to provide such support in other ways as may be determined to be useful by the society.
Church Periodical Club
An Episcopal institution whose goal is to “help all the world to read.” Its ministry is to provide grants to adults and young people for the purchase of books, magazines, videos and computer programs.
Church Property Sale Proceeds
Diocesan Council is charged with determining the use of the proceeds from the sale of closed church properties. Those seeking funding for a new or ongoing ministry consistent with the diocesan mission strategy may make a proposal to Diocesan Council for funding consideration.
At this time, Diocesan Council is not receiving new applications due to the limited amount of money in the fund.
Congregational Development Grants
Congregational Development Grants are one way the diocesan budget supports worshiping communities in strengthening community vitality and deepening relationships with God. The program challenges congregations to try new programs and prayerfully reflect on current and proposed programs that nurture and reimagine congregational life.
Deanery Grants
Sending Serving Grants support programs that enhance the outreach ministries of congregations. House of Mercy Grants support programs and projects that serve women and children in need. Grants from both programs are awarded by vote of deanery assemblies.
Global Partnership Grants
The people of the Diocese of Massachusetts are enriched both by the faithful presence among us of clergy and lay persons from around the world and by our relationships with people of faith across the globe, especially our siblings throughout the Anglican Communion. Many of our congregations draw on their ties to other parts of the communion and develop deep friendships with partners beyond the borders of our diocese. Our diocese is fortunate to have financial resources to assist with those partnerships. Two types of grants are available to churches, schools and organizations affiliated with the Diocese of Massachusetts: Companion Relationship Grants and Sustainable Development Grants.
Green Loans
Green Loans, from the fund renamed in May 2024 as the Bud Cederholm Green Loans Fund, are low-interest loans of up to $100,000 that will enable congregations to make energy-efficient changes to their buildings. In a majority of cases, the cost savings from a Green Loan-qualifying program will be greater than the debt service payments on the loan, making this a budget-neutral option. The program encourages congregations to put any additional savings toward other environmental stewardship projects.
Mission Initiatives Grants
Diocesan Convention approved a budget for calendar year 2022 that included $44,397 for initial funding for new mission initiatives. The Mission Initiatives Committee of Diocesan Council is responsible for making recommendations to Council and Convention regarding congregations, programs and chaplaincies that receive funding through the annual diocesan budget, and welcomes applications by May 1, 2022.
Mission Strategy Microgrants
“Wicked Good Idea” Microgrants: This grant initiative invites congregations, networks and organizations in the diocese to brainstorm ideas about how to try something new in their ministry context in support of the diocesan mission strategy.
Scholarship Fund for Children of Clergy
Children of clergy canonically resident or licensed in the Diocese of Massachusetts are eligible to apply for scholarship grants for the upcoming academic year.
Society for the Relief of Aged or Disabled Episcopal Clergy
The society makes grants to retired clergy who were canonically resident in the Diocese of Massachusetts at the time of their retirement.
Society for the Relief of Widows, Widowers and Orphans of Clergy
The society makes grants to widows, widowers and orphans of clergy who died in the communion of the Episcopal Church and were canonically resident in the Diocese of Massachusetts.
Special Needs Ministry Grants
The Diocese of Massachusetts has grant funds available to help congregations minister more effectively with community members with disabilities and mental or behavioral health needs, in order to foster a culture of radical welcome.
Diocesan Loans (Stokes Fund Loans)
This diocesan loan program provides term loans to congregations for renovations, repair and/or improvements to their church facilities.
United Thank Offering
The Episcopal Church's United Thank Offering (UTO) grant program, established by the women of the Episcopal Church in 1889, funds projects which "address compelling human needs and/or expand mission and ministry." The projects must also receive support from an Episcopal or Anglican organization.