Dear People of God in Southern Ohio,
The Church Foundation of Southern Ohio offers grants and loans to support capital improvements and other building projects for faith communities in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The Church Foundation Trustees recently lifted the 2024 moratorium placed on grants and loans and are ready to support our congregations with grants and loans in 2026.
The Church Foundation is pleased to announce deadlines for four grant cycles in 2026:
- February 20, for decision-making at the Church Foundation’s March meeting
- May 20, for decision-making in June
- August 20, for decision-making in September
- November 20, for decision-making in December
The Church Foundation will consider grants for emergencies as needed; please complete the emergency field in the application and call the Rev. Derrick Fetz directly at (513) 229-4618.
Grants come from funds allocated to the Church Foundation by the bishop through the William Cooper Procter Memorial Fund. Each year the Church Foundation has about $300,000 in grant funds to award and has some funds from the Wells Trust to loan at favorable rates.
To apply for a grant, learn more about the grant criteria, and become more familiar with the Church Foundation, please visit our website.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Sallie Schisler
President, Church Foundation Trustees
Retired Priest, Eastern Region
Additional Members of the Church Foundation Trustees:
Vacancy to be filled (2026)
Jean Schelhorn (2027) – St. Luke’s, Granville
Drew Abbott (2029) – Christ Church Cathedral
Paul Davis (2030) – Calvary, Clifton
Nadya Richardson, diocesan treasurer – St. Philip, Columbus
Canon Mark Priest, canon for finance and operations – Diocesan Staff Liaison
The Rev. Derrick Fetz – Diocesan Staff Liaison
