Church Multiplication · Developing Leaders · Clergy Health
Ministry Grants · 2027
Investing in the work God is doing across C4SO
A New Way to Fund Ministry
One shared pool, aimed where it matters most
God is growing our churches and communities in countless ways, and to meet them where they are, we’re changing how we fund ministry. Smaller standing stipends are being replaced by one shared pool of strategic funding. Each year, that pool goes to the ministries that are most aligned with C4SO’s strategic priorities: church multiplication, leadership development and clergy health.
$100,000
In 2027, C4SO will award $100,000 in ministry grants to help our congregations, missional initiatives, ministry leaders and clergy start or expand work that advances our shared mission. Grants start at $5,000.
2027 Priority Areas
Three priorities, one shared mission
Every proposal should make a clear case for how it advances one of C4SO’s three strategic priorities.
Church Multiplication
Planting new congregations and extending the Gospel into new communities
Leadership
Development
Raising up the next generation of leaders in our churches
Clergy Health
Supporting the wellbeing, formation and sustainability of our clergy
Who Can Apply
Open to every corner of C4SO
Any C4SO congregation, missional initiative, ministry leader or clergy person with a dream may apply.
Established churches should be current on diocesan financial contributions (5% requirement) or have an active plan to reach that level.
Church plants should be contributing financially to the diocese. The specific expectation is set case by case with the Canon for Church Planting.
Each applicant (church, missional initiative, ministry leader or clergy person) may submit up to two proposals per year.
We fund new or expanding work. Grants are not meant to cover routine, ongoing budget gaps.
At a Glance
The 2027 Fund at a Glance
$100,000
Total Available
Provided by the Forward Fund.
$5,000
Minimum Award
Every approved proposal receives at least $5,000.
One Year
At a Time
2027 grants are single-year awards. To continue support, reapply in the next cycle. We expect to move toward a multi-year model as the process matures.
Your Proposal
What to include in your proposal
2027 is the first year of this approach, and we’ve kept the process simple. We want to learn from this first cycle and improve it in the years ahead.
1
Describe your vision.
Proposal overview (500 words maximum), strategic priority and intended outcomes (300 words maximum).
2
Show how you’ve discerned the work.
Conversations with your vestry, staff or ministry team, along with any conversations with the Bishop or diocesan staff.
3
Build a realistic plan.
A clear budget, a plan for sustaining or winding down the work, fair compensation where applicable and other funding sources.
4
Anticipate challenges.
Explain potential obstacles and questions from others (300 words maximum).
Timeline
From first draft to first funding
After You’re Funded
Two short check-ins a year
Grant recipients submit two short reports to the Committee during the year, one at mid-year (July) and one at year-end (December).
Each report includes
A financial breakdown
How funds have been spent, compared with your original budget
A narrative summary
How the work is going and how it’s advancing your proposal’s purpose