Mission Proceeds Disbursement

CURRENT PHASE: PHASE II

(Updated January 14, 2025)

Phase II of the mission proceeds disbursement offering is now open. Applications are being accepted January 15 through March 28, 2025.

apply for phase ii

This phase marks the second stage of the disbursement of funds from the sale of 200 West Morgan Street. Following the sale in 2023, Bishop Sam Rodman and Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson formed and worked with a diocesan-wide task force to discern the appropriate use of the $8.8 million net proceeds from the sale. Together, with approval from governing bodies, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee and Trustees, the task force decided the funds would be used to support two areas: $3.8 million to cover the lease and ongoing support of the new diocesan offices, and $5 million to support new and existing projects and ministries relating to diocesan mission strategy priorities through grants, matching funds, seeding of projects and revolving loans.

Phase I was completed in late 2024, with the recipients of Phase I funding first announced at the 209th Annual Convention. The first phase designated $3 million specifically for historically Black and Latino congregations, as well as churches with an annual operating budget of less than $100,000.

ABOUT PHASE II

Phase II is designating $1 million dollars for grants ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $70,000. Any church, mission, chaplaincy or special mission of the Diocese of North Carolina may apply for these funds, provided the proposed use is to fund works or projects done in collaboration with Phase I-eligible churches, other Episcopal churches, community partners or other organizations. The applicant must be a church, mission, chaplaincy, or special mission of the Diocese of North Carolina and a partner in the proposed mission strategy-related work.  

Priority will be given to projects that address unmet needs, foster new opportunities for collaboration, and promote congregational vitality. Projects supported by matching grant funds from outside the diocese or through partnerships with other congregations are particularly encouraged. The grant committee will consider geographic diversity across the diocese to ensure a wide impact of the funding.

The hope in using this approach is to promote a culture of collaboration and living into our mission strategy priorities.

THE PHASE II APPLICATION

The application for Phase II is available and open for submission. Those completing the application will be asked to share the following:

(WHO?) Briefly describe the mission and work of the partnering church or organization.  Explain how this selected partner shares a commitment to service, justice, and community outreach with your worshiping community. 

(WHAT?) Describe the project you are proposing to be funded by this grant. 

(HOW?) How will this project cultivate mutually beneficial relationships and deepen connection to God through outreach? How will Grantees work together to create a lasting impact on the community, the congregation, the broader church, or the partnering organization? 

(WHY?)  What is your “Deep Why?” for doing this work? For partnering with this collaborator?  For requesting funds for this work and partnership? 

Explain how this collaborative work will align with ONE of the mission strategy goal commitments from the list below and the steps that will be taken to achieve them.

  • Continuously assess the needs and demographics of the community and discern ways to engage with the evolving local and global challenges and opportunities through partnerships, shared resources, and networks.
  • Create new and strengthen existing collaborations with other Episcopal congregations, ecumenical and multifaith partners, community organizations, and global missions.
  • Cross boundaries to seek out diverse partners who will broaden our understanding of God’s mission in the world and deepen our relationships with our neighbors near and far.

The decision matrix for Phase II applications will be as follows:

WHY THIS MULTIPHASE APPROACH

The decision to offer funds first to churches that include historically Black and Latino congregations was an intentional one.

Everyone is encouraged to read ‘Initial Report: The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina’s History of Institutional Racism (Founding through 1960)’ by the Rev.Dr. Rhonda M. Lee to understand why it was decided to take this approach. As the report makes clear, the funds and resources we have available today are directly traced to historical actions by and within our diocese.

The report presents evidence that a significant number of Episcopalians were slaveholders in the founding days of the diocese. We cannot ignore the implications of wealth shared with the church that derived, at least in part, from the labor of enslaved persons. Our history also shows that ongoing racist societal systems allowed support of some at the expense of others.

White supremacy practices, both past and present, are an undeniable contributor to the wealth we enjoy today. It is only right that the communities wronged by systemic racism are offered the first chance to benefit from that wealth.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DIOCESE’S HISTORY AND ITS ROLE IN THE APPROACH


THE APPLICATION/PROPOSAL PROCESS

Applications and proposals for this funding may be submitted from January 15 through March 28, 2025. The application submission and review process will be overseen by the Mission Proceeds Discernment Task Force. They will receive and review the requests and proposals and, after reviewing them and requesting any needed additional information, will make recommendations to Diocesan Council for their consideration. Diocesan Council will then make the final decision and oversee the disbursement of funds.


THE MISSION PROCEEDS TASK FORCE

The Mission Proceeds Discernment Task Force is comprised of clergy and laity from across the diocese. They are tasked with receiving and reviewing the applications and proposals, and making recommendations to diocesan governing bodies about how and where funds should be dispersed.

In addition to Bishop Sam Rodman and Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson, the Rev. Milton Williams has accepted the call to serve as task force chair and [name] to serve as vice chair. The Rev. Dr. William Morley, a board-certified executive coach and consultant in Pinehurst, is helping to facilitate the work of the task force.

Additional members include:

  • The Rev. George Adamik
  • The Rev. Joyce Allen
  • Rev. Sarah Ball-Damberg
  • The Rev. Robert Black
  • Marcus Clarke
  • Hortense Francis
  • The Rev. Joan Kilian
  • Gilbert Small


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can apply?

PHASE I:

In the first phase, $3 million dollars will be designated specifically for historically Black and Latino congregations, as well as churches with an annual operating budget of less than $100,000.

PHASE II:

The second phase will designate $1 million dollars. Any church may apply for these funds, provided the proposed use is to fund works or projects done in collaboration, whether the partnerships are with Phase I-eligible churches, other Episcopal churches, community partners or other organizations. The only criteria is that the applying church be a church of the Diocese of North Carolina and a partner in the proposed mission strategy related work.

PHASE III:

The third phase will offer the last $1 million with no applicant restrictions.

What kind of projects will this fund?

The hope of this process is to leave the type and scope of projects as open as possible. Funds will be dispersed as grants, matching funds, seeding of projects and revolving loans.

How does this funding differ from other diocesan grants?

This offering is not a new long-standing grant program, it is a one-time offering in three phases to enable congregations to tend to their needs and realize their visions now.

Can I submit applications for more than one project or need?

Yes. While there are no guarantees that applications will result in funds, ask for what you need on as many projects, partnerships or initiatives as you hope to fund.

For how much can I apply?

There is no set amount for fund requests or disbursements. Applications will be reviewed individually.

If I am turned down in one phase, can I reapply?

Yes. If your application is not approved in Phase I or II, you are welcome to reapply in future phases.

What if I don’t have a project or ministry, but my church building needs repairs?

The second mission priority is Congregational Vitality, and that includes ensuring “that every church and ministry is equipped and connected, creating a strong foundation from which to offer their gifts to the wider world.” If repairs will help your congregation be vital, then you are encouraged to apply.

Additional resource for capital repairs: NC Episcopal Church Foundation Grants


SALE AND DISCERNMENT PROCESS