Find a Church or Ministry | Sitio en Español

  200 West Morgan St, Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27601  ·   (919) 834-7474  ·      

Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
  • Resources
    • Clergy
    • Administration & Finance
    • Parishes & Vestries
    • Grants & Scholarships
    • Communications
    • Ordination
    • Events
    • News & Blog
  • Priorities
    • Racial Reckoning, Justice & Healing
    • Congregational Vitality
    • Formation
    • Collaboration & New Communities
    • Creation Care
  • Ministries
    • Affordable Housing
    • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Immigration
    • Money Bail Advocacy
    • Prison Ministry
    • Refugees
    • Sanctuary
  • About Us
    • Our Bishops
    • Our Staff
    • Our Convocations
    • Our History
    • Diocesan Council
    • Standing Committee
    • Annual Convention
  • Find a Job
  • Donate
  • #

North Carolina Episcopal Church Foundation

Apply for an NCECF grant

The North Carolina Episcopal Church Foundation, Inc., was established in 1955 for the purpose of aiding the expansion of the Church in the Diocese of North Carolina. An initial capital funds campaign raised over $300,000 to start this fund, which has grown over the years through additional gifts and investment income.

The Foundation has given over $3,000,000 in grants and loans since its beginning. The funds may be used for:

  • The erection of needed church buildings or acquisition of church property.
  • Capital repairs and renovations.

The Foundation gratefully accepts contributions so that it can increase financial support through loans and grants to parishes, missions and Episcopal institutions in the diocese.

Contributions and bequests are tax deductible and may be sent to the Foundation using this form.

LOANS

A maximum of $150,000 may be borrowed and repaid quarterly within a 10-year period. Parishes, missions and institutions are eligible to apply for loans.

The interest rate is set periodically by the board of directors. The current annual interest rate is 5% for parishes and 4% for missions.

GRANTS

Grants are available to mission churches up to a maximum of $10,000. Grant awards are usually based on need and are not repayable.

Green Grants are available to parishes, missions and institutions to encourage congregational efforts to be faithful stewards of the earth.

APPLICATION POLICY

Each application is considered on its individual merits and according to the availability of funds and funding policy.

The Foundation’s goal is to have adequate funds available to aid parishes, missions and institutions.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Access the application here.

2. Submit a completed application 45 days before the next scheduled board meeting. The Board meets on the second Thursday of March, June, September and December.

3. The applicant must have accepted the full asking and be current in payment of its share of the diocesan budget. (In emergencies and on recommendation of the Bishop or Standing Committee, special consideration may be given to applicants who do not meet this requirement.)

4. A review is conducted by the Foundation’s examining committee and Board of Directors. If the church or mission is an historic property, a member of the Commission on Historic Properties will conduct the examination.

5. The applicant will be notified of the results and if approved, payment will be mailed to the primary contact.

6. Funds are conveyed within two weeks of approval. The grant or loan funds must be accepted within six months of the date of approval.

Share this page: North Carolina Episcopal Church Foundation
Maria Gillespie
Chief Financial Officer
919-600-5311 
Becky Poynter
Accountant
919-600-5310 

Maria Gillespie

Chief Financial Officer
919-600-5311 |

Maria joined the diocesan staff in April 2013. Her responsibilities include all aspects of finance for the diocese, including the budget, common trust fund, health and retiree benefits and the general administration of the diocese. She also serves as the treasurer of the North Carolina Church Foundation. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a major in accounting and received her CPA. Shortly after, she attended Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, graduating with her Master’s in Business Administration. Prior to working with the Diocese, she worked in public accounting and as an adjunct professor at Franklin University, where she enjoyed teaching students of all ages.

Maria has been married to Jim, her college sweetheart from OSU, for 25 years. She is the mom of three girls, two of whom are twins, and couldn’t imagine life without them. They are a constant joy. When not at work she enjoys being with her family and friends. Maria loves relaxing at Lake Gaston, kayaking/paddle boarding, reading and walking her goldendoodles, Ginger and Penny.

Becky Poynter

Accountant
919-600-5310 |

Becky joined the diocesan staff as an accountant in the spring of 2022. She will be a value-added member of our finance team and assist our chief financial officer with maintaining internal controls, preparing financial reports, and working on the diocesan audit and convention.

Becky is married to her best friend, Greg, and is the mom to a son and a daughter. In her free time, Becky enjoys reading, beginning new cross stitch projects and attending her daughter’s travel softball games.

Grants

Common Application

Theological Education Grants

Green Grants

International Mission Grants

Lex Mathews Scholarship

MRST Grants

Mission Endowment Grants

Church Foundation Grants

Contact Us

Privacy and Cookie Policy

Episcopal Diocese of
North Carolina

200 West Morgan St, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27601

Tel: (919) 834-7474

Connect with Us

  View Entire Post

Service Times

Location

Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
200 West Morgan St, Suite 300
Raleigh, NC 27601

Contact Us
(919) 834-7474

Newsletter Signup

Please select your preferred language below.
Seleccione su idioma preferido a continuación.