[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs press release] Applications are now accepted for the 2017 Roanridge Trust Award Grants from the Episcopal Church.

The Roanridge Trust Award Grants are provided annually for creative models of 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 $5,000 to $20,000.

“The Roanridge Trust Award Grants support creative ministry and highlight the many unique ways we encounter and serve Jesus in rural and small towns across our church,” said the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, canon to the presiding bishop for evangelism, reconciliation and stewardship of creation. “The wisdom and models we develop in these sites can help to teach and grow churches everywhere, and they should be celebrated and supported.”

More information, the application and instructions in English are here and are in Spanish here.

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

Application deadline is Feb. 3.  Applications must be submitted to roanridge@episcopalchurch.org.

Convened by Spellers, applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of an Episcopal Church Executive Council member, a member at large, and Episcopal church staff members.

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

Questions about the Roanridge Trust and the application process can be addressed to Ann Hercules, associate for ministry beyond the Episcopal Church and grants, at ahercules@episcopalchurch.org.