The Diocesan Outreach and Services Commission has established the following schedule for grants to be made in 2004 through the Foundations for Ministry program:
               

1 May 2004 -- deadline for applications from congregations for FFM grants.
                

September  2004 -- successful recipients will be informed of our decisions.
                

October 2004  -- once-a-year distribution of grants will be mailed.

Grants made for 2003 include:
~ The Sacred Dance/Performing Arts program , All Saints, Skowhegan - $ 2,500; 
~ Turning Point, Kerr House, St. Luke's, Farmington - $2,100; 
~ Afterschool Enrichment Program, St. Andrew's, Readfield - $4,000; 
~ Habitat for Humanity, St. Peter's, Bridgton - $1,000; 
~ Friend in Need, St. Dunstan's, Ellsworth $3,000; 
~ Wheels for Single Moms, Prince of Peace Lutheran and St. Andrew's, Readfield - $2,000.

Foundation for Ministry grants are earmarked for partial support to congregational   projects within the diocese which help to establish or extend socially responsible programs within their immediate communities. Examples of recent successful proposals include modest sums of  money  to strengthen day care or afterschool programs for children, extend food pantry programs to include a blood clinic for adults, and kitchen improvements to a residential home for pregnant teenagers.
   

Mission Statement:
This Commission assists the people of the Diocese of Maine and oversees their programs as they carry out their baptismal covenant through the proclamation and practice of Christ-like servanthood.

Foundations for Ministry:
This is an endowment fund; part of the income from which is provided to the Commission on Outreach & Services. The objective of this program is to strengthen congregation’s efforts to share with those in need within and beyond our own congregations and to focus on alleviating the causes of human suffering in the diocese and beyond its borders. The objectives are relief of suffering and reform of systemic causes of suffering. The means are the congregations of the diocese, and where possible, working with diocesan entities, other churches, non-profit agencies, private enterprise or governmental agencies. Sponsorship by the diocese can some times be a determining factor in generating additional resources from outside funding agencies.

Funding Guidelines:

1. Proposals should be consistent with the Mission Statement of the Commission.

2. The commission meets in May of each year consider proposals.   Application forms may be found below.

3. Priority will be given to proposals which:

a. involve a ministry of a congregation or the Diocese;

b. demonstrate leadership and abilities of the laity;

c. demonstrate evidence of cooperating with other programs where a partnership is possible rather then duplicating efforts;

d. indicate clearly what ministry the grant would strengthen;

e. represent start-up funding for new opportunities;

f. support ongoing programs that have proved successful by involving others and can be expanded by additional funding

g. have possibility to use the grant as seed money to generate additional funding;

h. fund programs not individuals;

I. have a congregational or diocesan program group which will sponsor, evaluate and administer the funds. Programs that include the contributions of time, talent and treasure by a congregation are particularly encouraged. Grant requests should be prepared or endorsed by a congregation or diocesan program group. Yearly accounting of funds expended will be required.

4. All proposals must contain a statement of the aims and background of the applicant organization and a program statement for the purpose of the FFM funds along with identification of other funding which is anticipated. A projected income and expense budget is required along with a viable plan for financing the program continuation. They must include the time period over which the funds will be expended and a plan for accounting and reporting on expenditures and accomplishments on at least an annual basis. The Vestry, Board or Group responsible for the program and the contact person for this accounting and reporting must be identified.

 

Address: ________________________________________________
Tel: ________________

City: __________________________________________
State: __________ Zip: __________

Contact Person: _________________________________
Title: __________________________

Sponsoring Congregation/Program Group:

_____________________________________________________________

Funds Requested: $ __________________

Purpose: (specify)

_______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Program Status: New  Continuing Beginning Date: ___________________

Program Description/Purpose: (Include brief history)

To what degree is the congregation involved?

How does this program respond to the Mission Statement of the Commission?

 Program Objectives for the next year or two: (be specific)

 Plan of Action to achieve objectives:

 How will objectives be measured and reported?

 How is program policy determined and implemented? (Include a description of how and to what degree people who will be helped participate in the decision making of this program/project.)

Do you receive funding from other sources? Yes  No
If yes, identify present funding source and amount:

Have you requested funding from other sources? Yes  No 
If yes, please list.

What are your plans for future funding?

Attach projected budget with a proposed schedule for receipt of these funds.

Title: ___________________________________

_______________________________________________ Date: ___________

Mail completed form and attachments to:
The Rev. Anne Stanley
Christ Episcopal Church
35 Paris St. Norway, Maine  04268

Deadline for Receipt of Applications:
May 1, 2004

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