Grants Available to Further Mission of Orthodoxy

WILLIAMSPORT, PA [GOF/OCA] - Financial support is now available from the Ganister Orthodox Foundation for organizations with innovative approaches to advancing the mission of Orthodoxy in the US.

The deadline for submitting grant applications is July 31, 2010, with recipients announced in the fall of each year.

Founded in 2001, the Ganister Orthodox Foundation is a component of the First Community Foundation of Pennsylvania, located in Williamsport, PA. Recent grants have included one to Saint Tikhon’s Seminary, South Cannan, PA to help finance its Profiles of Ministry program.

Preference is given to proposals that address priority needs of the Orthodox Church in America, especially those that do so in catalytic ways. The selection process also weighs leadership experience within each organization, clarity of goals, the presence of a stable funding base, and faithfulness to the teachings and ministry of the OCA. Applicants must articulate how their undertaking will have a positive impact on a specific priority need, without duplicating other programs or projects already serving the Church.

Applicants must be qualifying 501c(3) organizations as described under IRS Section 509(a)(1). Grants will not be considered for endowments, ongoing operational support, annual campaigns or event sponsorships, debt reduction, research grants, or support of individuals.

To receive an application, contact the First Community Foundation of Pennsylvania, 330 Pine Street, Suite 401, Williamsport, PA 17701, or visit the Foundation’s web site at www.fcfpa.org. Applications will be reviewed and recommendations made by the Advisory Board of the Ganister Orthodox Foundation, a donor-advised component of the First Community Foundation of Pennsylvania.