Purpose & Details
Our new diocesan LGBTQ+ Engagement Grants are intended to empower congregations—both individually and in regional collaborations—to invite, gather, or otherwise engage their LGBTQ+ neighbors in communities and conversations of faith. These grants will support both invitation to LGBTQ+ people not currently connected to a faith community as well as the deepening of belonging, leadership, and spiritual life among LGBTQ+ Episcopalians already in our midst.
Grants may be used for non-festival Pride events, special liturgies, affinity groups, formation series, and other gatherings. Appropriate uses include honoraria for speakers, marketing and advertising, food and hospitality, and curriculum development, and more.
Grants may not fund general operating expenses, staff salaries, or Pride booth/parade registrations (which are supported separately and do not require a grant application).
Applications are reviewed by a subcommittee of the LGBTQ Task Force:
- The Rev. Robert Hill – Good Shepherd, Athens & Epiphany, Nelsonville
- Kristin Marron – Christ Church Cathedral, Cincinnati
- Asher Thomas – St. James, Clintonville
- Staff liaison: Canon Katie Forsyth, Canon for Communications
- Staff liaison: Canon Julie Murray, Canon for Community Engagement
Amount: Grants range from $150-1,000
Deadline: The grant application is open now and accepting submissions. Grants will be reviewed on the following timeline, or until budgeted funds are depleted.
- Submit applications by May 15, for consideration in late May
- Submit applications by July 31, for consideration in early August
- Submit applications by October 31, for consideration in early November
Qualifications
Applications must:
- Originate from a congregation in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, with the endorsement of the church’s ecclesiastical authority (rector, priest-in-charge, or senior warden).
- Demonstrate commitment from the congregation: financial, volunteer, space, or another significant contribution.
- Reflect projects that invite, gather, or otherwise engage LGBTQ+ people in faith-based discussion, gathering, invitation, or other projects.
- Demonstrate meaningful participation or leadership by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Applications will be evaluated on:
- Clarity of purpose and goals
- Alignment with diocesan mission
- Depth of LGBTQ+ engagement
- Feasibility
- Congregational investment
- Potential impact
Priority will be given to projects that build ongoing relationships or create sustainable LGBTQ+ ministry beyond a one-time event.
Congregations may submit one application per cycle and are welcome to apply in multiple cycles throughout the year. Priority will be given to those who have not yet received funding.
For more information, please contact Canon Katie Forsyth, canon for communications and governance, at kforsyth@diosohio.org.
