THE STRATEGIC MISSION GRANT PROGRAM

Year Established: 2005
 
Chair: The Rev. Karl-Griswold Kuhn, Missioner, Episcopal Student Center, Texas A&M University (home congregation)
 
Strategic Mission Grants are funds made available from the Bishop Quin Foundation and the Episcopal Foundation of Texas to directly support congregations in the Diocese of Texas with specific ministries aimed toward church growth. The Strategic Mission Grants program started in 2005 and has awarded grants to numerous congregations throughout the Diocese of Texas. The Strategic Mission Grant Committee consists of trustees from the Bishop Quin Foundation and the Episcopal Foundation of Texas. The Committee reviews applications and makes the final decision to award grants. Only congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas are eligible.  Members of the committee are board members from either the Bishop Quin Foundation or the Episcopal Foundation of Texas.
 
Strategic Mission Grants fund programs at EDOT congregations that look “beyond the walls” of the church buildings to identify a need in the community. Fostering relationships in the community is a key element which often leads to the development of a community of faith.  Funded projects may focus on being out in the community of inviting the community into our churches. Capital improvement projects do not qualify for an SMG grant. Congregations cannot have more than one grant at the same time. Grants are typically paid over a three-year period.  The committee maintains a dedicated website where prospective grantees may learn more about the focus areas, see video examples of projects funded in the past, and submit grant proposals. That website address is: www.smgedot.org

Featured video: Apollo Respite for All, an SMG program at St. Thomas the Apostle in Nassau Bay