ECSF community ministry grants rise 11.9% in 2012!
By Ariel Miller, ECSF executive director

The board of ECSF is delighted to announce the award of $169,050 in ECSF grants to Episcopal churches across Southern Ohio this year. This 11.9% increase over 2011 grants shows the determination of Episcopalians to strengthen local safety nets when many other funding sources have cut back and needs continue at generational highs. See the list of ECSF’s 2012 grantees here.

ECSF grants come from freewill donations. Generous gifts by families and congregations at decisive moments  equipped ECSF to fund 98.8% of the total recommended by the grants committee.

With unemployment, foreclosure, homelessness and hunger still soaring, ECSF’s board revised the grant guidelines and held workshops throughout the diocese last year to share strategies churches can use not only to help people survive crises but also build stability. These concerns shaped the grants committee’s evaluation of the record-breaking 55 proposals submitted last fall.

Responding to the Baptismal Vows, ECSF’s board encourages churches to listen to the people they serve and build alliances with them to improve community conditions. No one expects the hard-working volunteers of a ministry to try to change the landscape alone, but churches can do tremendous good by making sure they and the wider community understand the dynamics that contribute to poverty, and by engaging the compassion and creativity of others in responding.

Grants by the numbers: ECSF’s 2012 grants will go to 34 churches, 43% of the congregations in this diocese. Thanks to the generosity of so many people:
   • ECSF was able to fund 72.7% of the total amount requested.
   • 87% (48) of the 55 applications won a grant.
   • 70.8% (34) will receive the full amount they asked for!
Many churches will give these funds to community non-profits they partner with, such as shelters and ecumenical emergency assistance programs.

How to apply: ECSF awards grants for community ministry within the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Episcopal congregations, teams, task forces or commissions in this diocese are eligible to apply. Grant requests for 2013 must be received by Sept. 15, 2012. Please consult ECSF’s 2011 grant guidelines in preparing your application. Feel free to contact us at ECSF@eos.net or 513-221-0547 with any questions!

Who funds the grants? People like yourself! ECSF grants come entirely from freewill donations from people, churches, foundations and businesses. Thanks to everyone whose gifts enabled us to award $151,000 in grants this year!