The Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation is launching a new fund that its board hopes will encourage parishes to try new things and take a few risks along the way. The New and Emerging Ministries Fund will begin awarding grants in 2025 to parishes and ministries in the Diocese of Toronto that are experimenting in finding new ways to connect with those outside the Church.
“We mean programs that support the mission of the future Church and support parishes who are adapting to thrive in the years ahead,” says Mary Lynne Stewart, executive director of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation. “We’re seeking to equip and support leaders who are willing to learn by taking risks, experimenting and finding new ways to connect with those outside of the Church.”
The committee that oversees the new fund has intentionally set broad criteria for applications, seeking proposals that address a need not currently being met by another community group or agency. Projects may be focused on stewardship development, transformational worship, technology for worship, marketing existing ministries, or another area.
“It’s whatever in your church that hasn’t been able to be addressed by regular programming. Maybe someone wants to start a new youth ministry, and they need to equip a certain room so that it’s adapted for young people,” says Ms. Stewart. “It can even be a joint partnership with another parish.”
The foundation has set aside $30,000 for grants in 2025. Parishes and ministries can apply for up to $5,000 with no need for matching funding, or up to $15,000 if they can demonstrate other sources of funding. Parishes can apply for further grants in subsequent years, but priority will be given to applicants that haven’t received a grant in the last five years.
Grants won’t be awarded to individuals and aren’t available to cover the cost of church organs or other musical instruments; to install or repair stained glass windows; for operating budgets, bridge financing or salaried positions; or for travel expenses to attend events.
The board has set quarterly deadlines of Jan. 30, April 30, July 30 and Oct. 30 each year, after which a committee will meet to review applications. There isn’t a set format for applications, but Ms. Stewart says the committee will be looking for a thoughtful plan, a budget and projected outcomes.
Parishes that receive grants will also be asked to submit a report after they complete their project, evaluating its results based on what they had hoped to achieve.
Ms. Stewart says she thinks this new fund aligns well with Cast the Net, the diocese’s strategic vision, and may help parishes respond to some of its 20 calls.
“I think it fits right in, because really what Cast the Net is all about is trying to expand the community,” she says. “There’s already some innovative programs going on within the diocese, so maybe really look outside your own parish to see what’s going on.”
She says she hopes the fund will continue for at least five to 10 years, and hopefully longer. While the foundation is concentrating on awarding its first grants, eventually it will also start soliciting donations to add to the available funds.
As she looks toward the first round of applications, Ms. Stewart says she is eager to see the ideas that parishes come up with.
“It’s an exciting time to really see what will come out of this,” she says. “I think we can be a wonderful partner in new and emerging ministries.”
For more information on the New and Emerging Ministries Fund, visit the foundation’s website at www.toronto.anglican.ca/foundation or email [email protected].
