May 2026
“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24
With funds transferred from the former St. Stephen’s Church of East New Market, Md, the Diocese of Easton honors a directive to grant portions of the investment returns to other DOE churches, for the purpose of supporting their outreach ministries.
Up to $5000. may be granted to any church or mission that demonstrates, through a grant application, the value and impact of their ministry as the St Stephen’s leaders envisioned. As Bishop Bud Shand notes, “The committee that created the fund wanted parishes to look beyond their own needs. It was driven by mission not maintenance.”
Churches and missions must accurately demonstrate the anticipated expenses to launch and sustain the outreach, in addition to any other revenue anticipated. The vestry of each parish must approve of the initiative and oversee its success.
Grants awarded in 2026 include –
-
- a community garden on church property to support residents of a next-door apartment complex
- providing durable luggage to children in foster care who are moving between homes
- a family dining component for an existing English school and packed bag lunches for a community food pantry.
In 2025, the Diocesan Council, at the request of the Grants Committee, voted unanimously to add food to the list of qualified expenses. This decision was made given the reality of growing food insecurity across the Diocese.
The grant application is currently under review to improve as a more user-friendly form. It will be posted here no later than August 1. In the meantime, churches are encouraged to identify a project and gather data to support a grant request. Any leader in any parish is encouraged to contact the Grants Initiative Committee for assistance or further information.
Rev. Charlotte Meyer, Chair – charlottedmeyer@gmail.com
Chrissy Aull – chrissymooreaull@gmail.com
Lee Ellen Griffith – l.e.griffith@comcast.net
Megan Timms, Staff – megan@dioceseofeaston.org