Outreach programs and committees
More information on the following programs can be found by clicking on the links below:
Commission on Outreach & Services
This Commission assists the people of the Diocese of Maine and oversees their programs as they carry out their baptismal covenant through the proclamation and practice of Christ-like servanthood.
For more information about the grant program and application process, please contact the Rev. Peggy Day, co-chair of the Commission, The Rev. Tom Gilbert, co-chair of the Commission or Ms. Melinda DeWolfe, Diocesan staff liaison. The Diocese of Maine Outreach and Services Commission has established the following schedule for grants in 2008 through the FFM program :
May 2,2008 -- deadline for applications from congregations for FFM grants
July 2008 -- successful recipients will be informed of our decisions
Late Summer 2008 -- once-a-year distribution of grants will be mailed
Foundation for Ministry grants are earmarked for partial support to congregational projects within the diocese which help to establish or extend socially responsible programs within their immediate communities. Examples of recent successful proposals include modest sums of money to strengthen day care or afterschool programs for children, extend food pantry programs to include a blood clinic for adults, and kitchen improvements to a residential home for pregnant teenagers.
Mission Statement:
This Commission assists the people of the Diocese of Maine and oversees their programs as they carry out their baptismal covenant through the proclamation and practice of Christ-like servanthood.
Foundations for Ministry:
This is an endowment fund; part of the income from which is provided to the Commission on Outreach & Services. The objective of this program is to strengthen congregation's efforts to share with those in need within and beyond our own congregations and to focus on alleviating the causes of human suffering in the diocese and beyond its borders. The objectives are relief of suffering and reform of systemic causes of suffering through an annual grant process. Sponsorship by the diocese can sometimes be a determining factor in generating additional resources from outside funding agencies.
Funding Guidelines:
1. Proposals should be consistent with the Mission Statement of the Commission.
2. The commission meets in May of each year consider proposals. Application forms may be found below.
3. Priority will be given to proposals which:
a. involve a ministry of a congregation or the Diocese;
b. demonstrate leadership and abilities of the laity;
c. demonstrate evidence of cooperating with other programs where a partnership is possible rather then duplicating efforts;
d. indicate clearly what ministry the grant would strengthen;
e. represent start-up funding for new opportunities;
f. support ongoing programs that have proved successful by involving others and can be expanded by additional funding
g. have possibility to use the grant as seed money to generate additional funding;
h. fund programs not individuals;
I. have a congregational or diocesan program group which will sponsor, evaluate and administer the funds. Programs that include the contributions of time, talent and treasure by a congregation are particularly encouraged. Grant requests should be prepared or endorsed by a congregation or diocesan program group. Yearly accounting of funds expended will be required.
4. All proposals must contain a statement of the aims and background of the applicant organization and a program statement for the purpose of the FFM funds along with identification of other funding which is anticipated. A projected income and expense budget is required along with a viable plan for financing the program continuation. They must include the time period over which the funds will be expended and a plan for accounting and reporting on expenditures and accomplishments on at least an annual basis. The Vestry, Board or Group responsible for the program and the contact person for this accounting and reporting must be identified.
