[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs press release] Applications are now accepted for the 2016 Jubilee Ministry grants to further the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church.

“Every year, the Episcopal Church provides grants to assist currently-designated Jubilee Ministries in their work,” noted the Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Episcopal Church domestic poverty missioner. “These grants are intended to help ministries in their mission to create a more just society and confront structures that promote cycles of poverty and inequality.”

The 2016 Jubilee Grants will be awarded in two categories, totaling $65,000: Jubilee Development Grant and Jubilee Impact Grants.

The Jubilee Development Grant for up to $25,000 will be awarded to a new or existing ministry that can demonstrate a new or re-visioned strategy and methodology to address systemic issues affecting domestic poverty. This grant is intended to seed a sustainable program that makes a difference locally and can inspire others for similar work beyond itself.

Jubilee Impact Grants, in amounts of $750 to $1,500 for a total of $40,000, will be awarded for initiatives of Jubilee Centers that make a positive and measurable impact in the lives of those in need.

Application forms are available here. Deadline for applications is June 17 at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. All currently-designated Jubilee Ministries are eligible. Proposals must be approved by bishop of the diocese and, if applicable, the diocesan Jubilee officer.

Successful applications will demonstrate sustainability, a commitment to working with and empowering God’s people, localized understanding of the Jesus Movement, and the knowledge that the Spirit is, even now, at work reconciling us to God and to each other.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of lay and ordained Episcopalians, including Executive Council and staff representatives, all with experience in, and understanding of, healthy ministry among the economically impoverished.

For more information contact Stevenson at mstevenson@episcopalchurch.org.

About Jubilee Ministries
Jubilee Ministries, created by General Convention in 1983, encourage a ministry of joint discipleship in Christ with poor and oppressed people, wherever they are found, to meet basic human needs and to build a just society. Now in their 33rd year, Jubilee Ministries seek to fulfill Christ’s mandate found in the Gospel of Matthew-to provide for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, welcome for the stranger, clothing for the naked, healing for the sick, and companionship for the captive. Today, over 700 ministries across The Episcopal Church have achieved Jubilee status, as recognized by the Executive Council.