The application process for a 2019 Young Adult and Campus Ministry grant opens today and continues through November 19, 2018. Submissions received after November 19 will not be considered.

Episcopal ministries (or ecumenical ministries with an Episcopal presence) with dreams of launching a ministry or program for young adults are invited to apply for an Episcopal Church Young Adult and Campus Ministry grant. Eligible applicants include dioceses, congregations, or college/university ministries that are currently engaging in or seeking new relationships with young adults on and off college campuses. Grant information and applications are available online.

In 2018, grants were awarded to a wide range of projects. The Episcopal Diocese of Navajoland Area Mission received a grant to underwrite the purchase of tech equipment for their innovative program for training members of the young adult community in web development and technology.  In the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester, campus ministries at the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, in collaboration with the Episcopal Conference for the Deaf, are creating accessible campus ministries that include worship, spiritual development, formation, bible study, and fellowship as they address the needs of people who are deaf or hard of hearing at each of these schools.

Other 2018 Young Adult Ministry Grants and Campus Ministry Grants funded initiatives that provide leadership development, training, and programming for young adults in the areas of racial reconciliation, discernment, environmental justice, peer ministry and social justice.

“These grants help the Episcopal Church live into an expanded understanding of what it means to be in ministry with young adults on and off college campuses,” said the Rev. Shannon Kelly, Officer for Young Adult and Campus Ministries. “This is a growing ministry, one that shows the church how to engage mission and the Jesus Movement in new, innovative ways.”

The four grant categories include:

1) Leadership Grants establish a new, restore a dormant, or reenergize a current campus ministry. Grant will range from $20-30,000 and can be used over a two-year period.
2) Campus Ministry Grants provide seed money to assist in the start-up of new, innovative campus ministries or to enhance a current ministry. Grants $3-5,000.
3) Young Adult Ministry Grants provide seed money to assist in the start-up of new, innovative young adult ministries or to enhance a current ministry. Grants $3-5,000.
4) Project Grants provide money for a one-time project that will enhance and impact the campus or young adult ministry. Grants $100-1,000.

A total of $133,000 is available for this cycle, with a total of $400,000 available this triennium. These grants are for the 2019-2020 academic year.

“Ministry with young adults on and off college campuses is one way the church is raising up the leaders of now and the leaders of the future,” added Kelly. “It is an honor and a privilege to walk alongside these ministries as they seek to do ministry in ways that engage their communities in such unique ways.”

Episcopal ministries or ecumenical ministries with an Episcopal presence engaged in or seeking a new relationship with young adults on or off college campuses are invited to apply. Information on the application process and guidelines, as well as the application is found here. Completed applications may be submitted beginning Thursday, November 1; submissions received after November 19 will not be considered.

If you have further questions, please contact The Rev. Shannon Kelly, Officer for Young Adult and Campus Ministry or Valerie Harris, Formation Associate.