[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs press release] Applications are now accepted for the 2015 Roanridge Trust Award Grants, awarded annually for creative models for leadership development, training and ministries in small towns and rural 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.

Samuel McDonald, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Mission, explained: “The Roanridge Trust Award Grants support creative ministry and highlight the important mission in rural areas and small towns across our church. These are important places and mission centers which should be celebrated and supported.”

For more information, application and instructions here

Although previous recipients are eligible to apply, priority is given to new applications.

Application deadline is October 31.

The 2015 grants will be announced on November 17.

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

For more info on Roanridge Trust here.

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