ECF Receives Third Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
New York - December 10, 2021 –The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) has received a third grant pursuant to Lilly Endowment Inc.’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders. During the 2022 year, this supplemental grant will continue to support ECF’s original program but with a specific focus on dioceses and congregations hardest hit by COVID-19.
“ECF is so grateful to the Lilly Endowment for its continued support of our work relating to the economic and financial sustainability of local faith communities,” remarked Donald V. Romanik, President of ECF. “This Phase III grant will further enhance our ability to address the unique needs arising during a most challenging period.”
The grant, entitled “Bridges to the Future: Positioning Local Faith Communities for a Post-Pandemic Church,” is designed to provide “bridge” funding for participating congregations to move them from their current state of economic uncertainty to a more sustainable and effective ministry model. ECF’s proposal under Phase III maintains the same goals as Phase I and II, but it specifically targets pastoral leaders and congregations that have been most impacted by COVID-19 and that need immediate financial relief.
ECF’s programs under Phases I and II were designed to help congregations and their clergy achieve a greater sense of personal/organizational financial literacy and economic sustainability. These programs included a comprehensive educational/training component for new rectors and their lay leaders, a Ministerial Excellence Fund (MEF) for innovative and entrepreneurial clergy, and resources and tools for the wider Church.
The supplemental grant will enable ECF to provide grants, resources, and networking opportunities to four dioceses with underrepresented and underserved communities most impacted by Covid-19, i.e., predominately Black, Latino/Hispanic, indigenous, multi-cultural and rural.
Founded in 1949, ECF is an independent, lay-led, and inclusive organization that helps build, vitalize and transform Episcopal faith communities focusing on formation, finance and resources. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation that supports the causes of religion, education, and community development.
For more information, please visit - https://www.ecf.org/programs/leadership
Contact:
Adriane Bilous
Director for Leadership and Learning