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Applications for 2024 Church Planting Grants are now being accepted by the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Evangelization.
“Beginning in the 2023 award year, the grant amount awarded to first-year recipients has been raised to $40,000.00. Second and third-year amounts have also been raised to $32,000 and $24,000 respectively, due to the increase in the cost of living and other expenses,” explained Archpriest Thomas Soroka, Project Manager of the Departments of the Orthodox Church in America. “The grant money must be used solely to assist in providing a salary for a full-time resident priest and be matched by the qualifying mission, deanery, or diocese.”
Grants may be renewed for a maximum of three years. Missions that received grants in 2023 or 2022 must apply for the second or third year, noting growth and progress in the mission or any changes to the status or stability of the mission. The grant award is competitive and a variety of factors are taken into consideration.
“A total of over $1,000,000 in Church Planting Grants has been awarded to missions since the program was initiated two decades ago. Our goal in this program is to help support missions transition to full parish status,” Father Thomas added.
Detailed information and application forms are available online. Applications must be received by the Department of Evangelization no later than Monday, September 25, 2022, to receive consideration. Late applications will not be considered.
Grant applications must be reviewed and approved by each mission’s respective diocesan bishop before they are submitted. After a review by the Department, recommendations for qualified missions will be submitted to the Metropolitan Council and the Holy Synod of Bishops for final approval. Grants are to be used in the 2024 calendar year.
For additional information, please contact Father Thomas Soroka at tsoroka@oca.org.
The Mission Planting Grant Program is made possible in part due to the generous support of the Stewards of the Orthodox Church in America. The generous gifts of Stewards fund the development of programs and resources to assist parishes, missions, and faithful thrive in effective ministry.
