Mission Proceeds Disbursement Update

The mission proceeds disbursement offering is entering the next steps of Phase I.

As of the July 15 submission deadline, 29 of the 43 churches eligible to do so submitted a grant or funding proposal. Eligible churches are historically Black and Latino congregations as well as those working with an annual operating budget of less than $100,000. The proposals submitted totaled more than $7 million in requests, exceeding the $3 million available.

The $3 million in funds is part of the decision to put $5 million from the sale of 200 West Morgan Street back into diocesan churches, to support new and existing projects and ministries relating to diocesan mission strategy priorities through grants, matching funds, seeding of projects and revolving loans. The total $5 million is being disbursed in three phases:

• Phase I: $3 million dollars is designated specifically for historically Black and Latino congregations, as well as churches with an annual operating budget of less than $100,000.
• Phase II: $1 million dollars is designated. 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 last $1 million will be offered with no applicant restrictions.

Learn more about the diocese's history and its role in this approach

The Phase I offering now enters the review process, overseen by the Mission Proceeds Disbursement Task Force. They will review the requests and proposals and, after reviewing them and requesting any needed additional information, make recommendations to Diocesan Council for their consideration. Diocesan Council will then make the final decision and oversee the disbursement of funds. The final decision and disbursement of funds is expected to take place by the 209th Annual Convention in November.

As Phase I progresses, all churches are reminded there are several other diocesan grants and scholarships available, many with open application windows and upcoming fall deadlines, to help support congregations and ministry.

Explore all diocesan grants and scholarships

Updates will continue to be shared as Phase I progresses.

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. 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