Episcopal Community Ministries (ECM) is a major source of grants for congregational ministries working to help our Ohio neighbors overcome challenges. It is ECM’s mission to inspire and support each other in the living out of our Baptismal Covenant through active, generous, and committed congregations and their outward-looking ministries.
ECM Grants
As the outreach arm of our diocese, ECM offers grants to support the work of congregation-affiliated outreach ministries including efforts like food banks, community gardens, community meals, tutoring programs, human trafficking victim support services, and medical debt relief.
ECM grants are funded by an annual draw from the Blanchard Memorial Endowment Fund established by the trustees of the diocese, and by donations from congregations and individuals. Every dollar donated to ECM goes to local church outreach ministries helping their neighbors in need.
2026 ECM grants
The ECM Committee is pleased to announce the dates of the two grant cycles for 2026. The first round begins February 1 and ends on March 1. The second round will begin June 1 and end on July 1.
Successful grant applications reflect the following criteria:
- There is a congregational commitment – the requesting congregation must demonstrate committed and impactful support of the ministry both financially and through the active and significant participation of its parishioners.
- The congregation is in good standing as determined by diocesan canons This includes being current in mission share contributions and having up‐to‐date submissions of the Parochial Report, DSO Annual Report, and the parish audit.
- The ministry addresses a vital need in the community.
Please review these guidelines before beginning your application.
Give to ECM
Requests for ECM grants are growing faster than the endowment returns can sustain, so more than ever, your donations help sustain lifelines in country towns, cities and suburbs across the diocese.
The ECM Committee
Chair
Members
Lily Balukjian-Thompson
Judy Battle
Trinà Owens-Rogers
Jane Paraskevopoulos
The Rev. Brice Patterson
Gail Riley Kenney
The Rev. Gregory Williams
Andi Wright
Staff
The Rev. Derrick Fetz, staff liaison
Canon Julie Murray, staff liaison
