We are so excited in the Scioto River District to invest money in our congregations to partner with you in order to help create meaningful life-changing ministry!! To that end, we have developed three types of grants for which a congregation in the Scioto River District can apply. They are 1) The SEED (Seek, Engage, Equip,. Deploy) Grant, 2) The Strategic Ministry Grant and 3) The Capital/Emergency Grant.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING
- Pray about and select the grant that your ministry area will best fit.
- Complete the grant and attach any supporting documents
- Note that a church or ministry organization may apply for additional grant monies for the same project over the next two years, but an initial grant does not guarantee future funding.
- Only one project per church will be granted in a 12-month period.
- Churches will be expected to contribute to the project. The grant is not designed to cover the full cost of any project and budgets will be required to show the commitment of the church to the vision.
- Please note that funds are limited and applications will be reviewed as they are received. There are no annual application deadlines. We believe that inspired ministry happens throughout the ear and we want to support all that we can.
The SEED (Seek, Engage, Equip, Deploy) Grant
.pdf format (fillable)
Maximum distribution of $2,500 per church in a 12-month period
The grant encourages the congregations of the Scioto River District to live into the Ohio Vision – for every church, no matter the size, to be challenged and equipped, supported and encourage to make new disciples of Jesus Christ by taking risks and being involved in life-giving ministry.
These are your district apportionments, committed to creating opportunities that will deepen discipleship where we: Seek, Engage, Equip, and Deploy (SEED). This is accomplished through strengthening our small groups, Biblical formation, and creating leadership pathways. The SEED model will guide our work in nurturing disciples who grow in faith, serve in ministry, and live out the mission of Christ. We also believe that creative and transforming ministry is essential to this mission. As congregations, we are called not only to sustain what we have but to make space for God's creative work among us — imagining new directions, forging deeper connections with our communities, and embracing innovative approaches to discipleship. Whether it's re-imagining programs, finding creative methods to build consensus, or solving practical challenges with fresh energy, transforming ministry calls us to depend on the Spirit as we SEED our communities with the gospel.
Application Process: Complete the application and submit it to the District Office (see information below). Upon receipt of the application and any supporting documentation, the Leadership Team will review the application, make their recommendations to the District Superintendent and Leadership Team for final determination. The grant will be awarded contingent on funds available. Anticipated turnaround time is one to two weeks.
Strategic Ministry Grant
Maximum distribution of $15,000 per church in a 12-month period
Being strategic for the future of the church is vital. With the 2026 Ohio Vision as our Guide, the Strategic Ministry Grant will focus on the support pillars of the Ohio Episcopal Area for all churches. Select the area of focus from the descriptions below when submitting the application.
- Leadership – Building relationships, Fostering Trust and Strengthening Mission Partnerships
- Healing from our past divisions and living into a renewed mission identity. Having leaders that will vision forward and heal renewed trust in our communities.
- Connectional Ministries – Forming “One Ohio” – a Spirit of Collaboration, Unity and Sharing Mission
- Intentionality in practicing unity across regions will be important as we form one episcopal area. Finding ways to be connectional in our communities, our district and across conferences.
- Vision of Multiplication – New communities of faith for all people is a movement that is rooted in the theology of abundance.
- Evangelism with Discipleship plan
- House churches
- Multiethnic ministries
- Digital expressions
- Equipping laity and clergy for mission
- Investing in the Future of Young Leadership Development and Strong Laity Movement
- A Spirit-filled church requires bold investment in our future leaders both youth and young adults and empowering the lay leadership. This area of ministry involves deepening our commitment to mentoring, to campus ministry and lay empowerment.
Application Process: Complete the application and submit it to the District Office. Upon receipt of the application and any supporting documentation, the Leadership Team will review the application, make their recommendations to the District Superintendent and Leadership Team for final determination. The grant will be awarded contingent on funds available. Anticipated turnaround time is one to two weeks.
Capital/Emergency Grant
Definition as given in the Book of Discipline (¶2543, ¶2544): The Discipline distinguishes between operational expenses and capital expenses. Capital improvements refer to investments in property, such as building construction, renovation, major repairs, or equipment, which are often funded through specific, designated “Building” or “Capital” funds rather than the operating budget.
2026 Ohio Vision: The Ohio Episcopal Area moves forward in collaboration, multiplication, discipleship, leadership development, and global mission – building a unified, Spirit-led movement rooted in abundance, trust and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We commit ourselves to prayer, partnership and courageous action as we form “one Ohio” for the sake of God’s mission in the world.
Application Process: Complete the application and submit it to the District Office. Upon receipt of the application and any supporting documentation, the District Superintendent will consult with the Church Locations & Building Team. Locations & Building Team will make their recommendations to the District Superintendent and Leadership Team for final determination. Grant will be awarded continent on funds available. Anticipated turnaround time is one to two weeks.