*** The applicant must be an entity of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. If a global entity wishes to form a partnership with an EDNY entity in order to complete a project that addresses the SDGs, please contact the SDG Committee at sustainabilitygrants@dioceseny.org prior to submitting an application.
In 2015, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals, seeking to end poverty, to protect and care for the planet and to fight injustice and inequality. In anticipation of the announcement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church voted to continue its budgetary commitment of 0.7% annually toward international development programs, and it encouraged dioceses and congregations to do the same.
With this in mind, the Episcopal Diocese of New York established the Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDGF) with seed money from the 2016 diocesan budget and the Global Mission Commission. The SDGF will serve as a financial and networking resource for diocesan entities to work with partners outside of the diocese to further sustainable growth and development. All congregations, schools and mission networks of the diocese are welcome to apply for this funding. We believe that seeking to attain these goals is a concrete way to live out our baptismal promises (Book of Common Prayer, pp.304-5). The SDG goals will guide us as we strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being and caring for God's creation.
If you have questions regarding this application or funding a project or ministry, please contact sustainabilitygrants@dioceseny.org.
Eligibility
The Sustainable Development Goals Fund (SDGF) aims to provide support for one-year mission projects between congregations, schools, and mission networks within the Episcopal Diocese of New York (EDNY) and global entities outside of the EDNY. The EDNY partner applies for funding to support the project to be conducted with the global partner. Projects for which applications are made must be approved by the EDNY parish vestry or governing board, as well as the equivalent leadership of the global partner before submission for consideration.
Grants will be awarded for projects that directly address one or more of the SDGs. Effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability (addressing one or more SDGs, as well as financial sustainability) will be essential criteria which applicants must identify, define, and measure. The global partner should be in communion with the Episcopal/Anglican church, and the EDNY partner must be in good standing within the church. Awards will be made out to the EDNY partner.
Selection criteria for review of applications
1. The project for which the funds are requested must be a specific one. If the funds are to be used as part of a larger project, the exact function and timing of the smaller project must be stated. In the latter cases, the applicant must be able to answer the question: if you only receive funds from the SDG fund, what will you be able to accomplish?
2. The submitted budget must correspond to the project described, even if the project is part of a larger one.
3. The project must create or sustain a relationship between the EDNY and global partners.
4. The project must foster financial independence in the global partner or community.
The SDG Fund will give priority to
● Projects that foster mutual exchange and partnership between the EDNY and global partners.
● Global partners with Episcopal/Anglican affiliations.
● Churches and organizations seeking first time grants.
● First time recipients
Grants may also be given to an EDNY entity (parish, school, or mission network) and/or a particular global project more than once. In these cases, particular scrutiny will be placed on the progress and sustainability of the global project in the interim. Grants should not create dependency, but rather nurture self-reliance and financial independence. The hope is that projects funded by the SDG Fund will foster true companionship in mission.
Grant recipients and their global partners must aim to complete the project within the year following the awarding of the grant. In addition, grant recipients are expected to provide a brief report of program progress at six months, provide final outcome measurements at the end of the project and an accounting of how the funds were used. Grant recipients MUST present their year’s work at the following year’s Mission Fair. Attendance is mandatory. The SDG Fund committee will assist and advise grant recipients with their presentations, as needed.
Grantees are required to participate in this year's Global Mission Fair to celebrate the honor of the award, as well as to share the rich stories about the project and the partnership at next year’s Fair. This will inspire others to foster global partnerships and undertake worthy mission projects. Grantees are encouraged to bring members and friends of their parish or mission entity to the Global Mission Fair and to act as ambassadors of the SDG Grants program.
If your EDNY entity is in discernment about mission and outreach but not yet ready to form a partnership with a particular global entity, please email your questions to sustainabilitygrants@dioceseny.org. The Global Mission Commission is pleased to provide information, counsel, and encouragement according to your particular needs.
How to Apply
Application deadline: Applications must be received by June 15th, 2024. Decisions on grants will be made by September 20th, 2024. Applicants will be informed shortly thereafter; funded projects will be announced and celebrated at the Mission Fair to be held on Saturday, October 12th, 2024. Attendance at the Mission Fair is required for grant recipients.
Size of approved grants: $5,000 to $15,000
