ECS-NJ Annual Grant Program

ECS-NJ Annual Grant Program

Overview: ECS-NJ grants are designed to expand existing compassion and justice ministries of congregations in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey and make new ones possible.

Geographic Scope: Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey

Eligible Applicants: Congregations/churches in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey

Funding Focus Areas:
Proposed projects should address at least two of the following objectives:

To meet human need in underserved and marginalized communities, especially communities of color

To engage, collaborate and partner with other organizations, including faith-based, secular, community, governmental, etc.

To encourage advocacy for issues relating to social justice, including spearheading new advocacy efforts, particularly those affecting underserved or marginalized communities

Grant Features:

Multi-year funding available for projects needing more than one year to be fully established

Second year of funding available at smaller amount

Enhanced grant reporting requirements

Grantee support during application and grant period

Project development consultations provided over summer

Eligibility Restrictions:

Congregations that have received a previous ECS-NJ grant are not eligible to apply until after the previous grant is closed and final report has been accepted

Congregations are not eligible to receive more than two ECS-NJ grants in a five-year period

Reporting Requirements:

Written reports required in June and December of each calendar year

Phone or Zoom check-ins occurring in March and September

Grant Cycle Timeline:

Letter of Intent due: April

Project development consultations: Summer

Full application deadline: Early September

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address: Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of New Jersey, P.O. Box 86, Bedminster, NJ 07921

Phone: Individual consultations available by appointment

Background:
As of Fall 2021, ECS-NJ has awarded almost $380,000 to 29 churches. The program moved to an annual cycle starting in 2024 with significant improvements to support grantees during the application process and grant period.