Episcopal Church Young Adult and Campus Ministry grant applications are now available to those with dreams of launching a ministry or program for young adults. Episcopal ministries or ecumenical ministries with an Episcopal presence are invited to apply. 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 in English here and in Spanish here.

In 2019, grants were awarded for a wide range of projects. The Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real received a grant to support their Emerging Communities’ intergenerational Agape Meals and train lay leadership between three communities in the Diocese.  In the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico, campus ministers at the Pastoral Universitaria-Iglesia Episcopal Puertorriqueña are creating a campus ministry to serve the pastoral and social needs of the university community and to serve as the spiritual home for Episcopalians, for those who seek God, and be a center of worship, advocacy and justice. The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts received a grant to support the Racial Justice and Equity Project and create innovative partnerships and interweave critical practices around racial justice into Life Together’s servant leadership training program.

Other 2019 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 $5,000-30,000 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 $1,000-5,000.
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 $1,000-5,000.
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 during this triennium. These grants are for the 2019-2020 academic year.

Applications will be reviewed by a group that includes leaders experienced in ministry with young adults, staff, and a member of Executive Council.

“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 in English here and in Spanish here. Deadline for applications is November 11 at 10 pm Eastern time.

Please note the following for dioceses of The Episcopal Church: Applicant understands that should its local diocese fail to pay its assessment in full or to apply for and receive a waiver, the diocese and the applicant shall be ineligible to receive grants or loans from the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society unless approved by Executive Council.  In accordance with Canon I.4.6, (select the applicable response): The diocese pays its full assessment; The diocese has been granted a waiver for years (list); The diocese has made application for a waiver but has not been advised regarding a determination.

If you have further questions, please contact the Rev. Shannon Kelly, officer for young adult and campus ministry at skelly@episcopalchurch.org or Valerie Harris, formation associate at vharris@episcopalchurch.org.