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Applying for an ECF Fellowship

  • Applicants to the Fellowship Partners Program must choose to apply to either the academic or ministry track of the ECF Fellowship Partners Program, see below for more information on both tracks.
  • The application process for the 2023 Fellowship is now closed.
  • The 2023 Fellows will be announced in June 2023.
  • Typically, ECF has awarded three to four Fellowships per year. Awards range up to $15,000 and Fellows may apply to renew grants for up to three years (renewal grants are capped at $10,000).
  • The application process is open to both lay and ordained Episcopalians.
  • Please review the FAQs about the Fellowship that contains more specific FAQs for the academic application and more specific FAQs for the ministry application.

Academic Track

The Academic Track of the Fellowship Partners Program is not currently seeking applications for the 2023 cycle while the program undergoes an evaluation. You can learn more here. For any questions, please email [email protected].

Applicants will provide a synopsis of the proposed course of study, express a commitment to forming the next generation of scholars and ministry leaders, demonstrate the need for this particular study, and propose a methodology for sharing the knowledge, experience, or best practices gained in this study.

Academic Fellows will have an impact on the formation and development of lay and clergy leaders, will address a recognized shortage area in scholarship/teaching, or will address an area where the Episcopal Church needs to develop expertise. Applicants will provide a synopsis of the proposed course of study, express a commitment to forming the next generation of scholars and ministry leaders, demonstrate the need for this particular study, and propose a methodology for sharing the knowledge, experience, or best practices gained in this study.

Those applying to the academic track must be engaged in or embarking on a course of study at the graduate level. Acceptable courses of study include doctoral level programs, as well as clinical study or training at the post-undergraduate level. However, ECF Fellowships will not support first professional degrees such as an M.Div., J.D. or M.D.

Please note: The academic track is intended for those engaging in doctoral research. Most D.Min. projects do not fit the type of doctoral research that we seek in academic Fellows. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Demonstrated Capacities:

  • Interest and passion for teaching
  • Articulate vision of vocational objectives
  • Demonstrated excellence in his or her field of study
  • Desire and ability to offer his or her gifts and expertise to the wider Church

Download a sample copy of the ECF Fellowship application in the academic track:

Ministry Track

Applicants will provide an outline of the proposed ministry, show how this helps to develop leaders in the Episcopal Church, describe how the wider Church will benefit from this ministry, and propose a methodology for sharing the knowledge, experience, or best practices gained in this project. Examples include, but are not limited to, pilot projects in an emerging area of congregational development, adaptations of existing programs in new locations, or the development and testing of resources designed for congregational or community use.

Ministry Fellows are engaged in ministries at the community or congregational level that will change individuals, groups, or communities in positive ways, impacting their ability to see and use God's gifts, bringing them into a closer relationship with God. Applicants will provide an outline of the proposed ministry, show how this helps to develop leaders in the Episcopal Church, describe how the wider Church will benefit from this ministry, and propose a methodology for sharing the knowledge, experience, or best practices gained in this project.

These projects should serve as models that can be used in different settings. Examples include, but are not limited to, pilot projects in an emerging area of congregational development, adaptations of existing programs in new locations, or the development and testing of resources designed for congregational or community use.

Please note: while an individual may be associated with a church agency, it is the individual who applies to the Fellowship and becomes an ECF Fellow.

Demonstrated Capacities:

  • Capability and interest in developing leaders
  • Competence and experience in the particular ministry area which is the subject of the application
  • Articulate vision of vocational objectives
  • Desire and ability to offer his or her gifts, expertise, and best practices to the wider church

Applications for the 2023 ECF Fellowship are now closed. Applications to the 2024 ECF Fellowship will open in November 2023.

  • Applications for the Ministry track of the ECF Fellowship Partners Program are now closed.
  • See a sample of the 2023 application to the ministry track by downloading a PDF copy.

Read FAQs about applying to the ministry track of the ECF Fellowship