Planting Grant applications now being accepted
The Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Evangelization recently announced that that applications for 2011 Church Planting Grants are now being accepted.
Grant applications and a comprehensive list of requirements and expectations may be downloaded from www.oca.org/PDF/evangelization/OCAPlantingGrantDocumentation.pdf.
Three grants will be available for 2011. Missions that received grants in 2010 must apply anew for the coming year.
“The department awards grants of up to $25,000.00 for first year recipients,” said Archpriest Marcus Burch, department chairperson. “The grant must be used specifically to assist in providing a salary for a full-time resident priest and must be matched by the qualifying mission, deanery, or diocese. Grants may be renewed for a maximum of three years.”
Nearly 30 missions have received Church Planting Grants since the program was initiated over 15 years ago. Most of these missions have successfully transitioned to full parish status.
Applications and a list of requirements for the grant can be found on the OCA website here. Applications must be filled out completely and submitted to the department by November 1, 2010. The grant application must be reviewed and approved by the diocesan bishop prior to submission. After a review the department, recommendations for qualified missions will be submitted at the fall session of the Holy Synod of Bishops for final approval. Grants begin on January 1, 2011. Missions currently receiving grants must reapply for ongoing assistance.
For additional information, please contact Father Marcus at 864-299-1140 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by writing to the Orthodox Church in America Chancery, PO Box 675, Syosset, NY, 11791.