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The Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Evangelization is now accepting applications for the 2027 Church Planting Grants.
These grants are designated exclusively to support the salary and benefits package of a full-time priest and must include contributions to the OCA Pension Plan. The Church Planting Grant Program is designed to cover three years, with continuing funding being offered provisionally in 2028 and 2029 if qualifications continue to be met.
Missions that received earlier grants must apply, providing updates on mission growth, development, and any changes in status or stability. The grant process is competitive, with decisions shaped by multiple factors that aim to support missions in their progression to full parish status.
Detailed information and application forms are available online. Applications must be submitted to the Department of Evangelization by September 15, 2026. Applications that remain incomplete, unresolved, or lacking the required documentation after the submission deadline will be considered late and may be removed from consideration.
All applications must receive approval from the mission’s respective diocesan bishop before submission. Following review by the Department of Evangelization, recommended applicants will be presented to the Metropolitan Council and the Holy Synod of Bishops for final approval. Grants are to be used in the 2027 calendar year.
For additional information, please contact Archpriest Justin Patterson at jpatterson@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. Their contributions fund the creation of programs and resources that help parishes, missions, and faithful thrive in ministry.
