[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] Applications are now being accepted for the 2013 Roanridge Trust Award Grants, awarded annually for new and creative models for leadership development in small communities across the Episcopal Church.

Dioceses, congregations and Episcopal-related organizations and institutions are invited to apply for the grants which generally range from $5000 to $20,000.

“The Roanridge Trust Award Grants assist new creative ministry approaches in rural settings,” explained the Rev. Bob Honeychurch, Episcopal Church missioner for congregational vitality. “The funds will seed new possibilities of ministry.”

For more information, application and instructions in English and Spanish click here.

Previous recipients are eligible to apply, although Honeychurch added that priority is given to new applications.

The application deadline is Sept. 1.

The 2013 grants will be announced on Nov. 15.

The Roanridge Trust was established by the Cochel family, who originally gave a working farm in Missouri called “Roan ridge” to the Episcopal Church. The interest from the sale of the farm generates the grant funds.

For 2012, $248,380 in Roanridge Trust Grants was awarded to 14 Episcopal Church agencies actively engaged in transformative work across the church.

Questions about the Roanridge Trust and the application process can be addressed to Honeychurch at bhoneychurch@episcopalchurch.org.