Mission Proceeds Disbursement
CURRENT PHASE: PHASE I
(Updated June 4, 2024)
Since the sale of Diocesan House at 200 West Morgan Street in September 2023, Bishop Sam Rodman and Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson formed and have been working with a diocesan-wide task force to discern the appropriate use of the $8.8 million net proceeds from the sale, currently held in an interest-bearing account. Together, with approval from our governing bodies, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee and Trustees, the task force has decided these funds will 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.
The disbursement offering will be offered in three phases of approximately one year each.
- 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.
- 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.
- The third phase will offer the last $1 million with no applicant restrictions.
WHY THIS 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 May 1 through July 15, 2024 (extended from original deadline of June 30). 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.
What the proposals might contain is entirely up to those applying during each of the three phases. The only starting criteria the proposals must meet to be considered:
- The project or need must relate to one of the five diocesan mission strategy priorities
- The project must be based within the Diocese of North Carolina
PHASE I TIMELINE
(*Following the application deadline, dates are subject to adjustments as needed. Note all dates from July onward will be updated soon as the application deadline has been extended to July 15.)
| May 1, 2024 | Application window opens |
| June 30 | Application deadline |
| July 1-11 | Preliminary review of applications to confirm completion |
| July 11 | Applications distributed to task force review team |
| July 18 | Task force meeting to discuss applications and determine if additional information is needed |
| July 19-31 | Task force to conduct interviews in regional locations (if additional information is needed) |
| August 7-8 | Task force meeting for final discussion on applications and decide on recommendations that will be made to Diocesan Council. |
| August 9 - Sept. 15 | Write report of recommendations for Diocesan Council |
| September 16-23 | Report review by task force |
| October 10 | Report submitted to Diocesan Council |
| October 17 | Diocesan Council meeting to discuss task force recommendations |
| TBD | Diocesan Council decision and notification date |
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 Phase I, can I reapply?
Yes. If your application is not approved in Phase I, 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
- Diocese of North Carolina Announces New Location of Diocesan House (November 1, 2023)
- Diocese of North Carolina Announces Sale of 200 West Morgan Street (June 14, 2023)
- Diocese of North Carolina Announces Decision to List 200 West Morgan Street for Sale (Sept. 8, 2022)
- Diocese Takes Next Steps in Discernment of Diocesan House's Future (May 18, 2021)
