Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission and purpose of Episcopal Charities?
Episcopal Charities is the charitable arm of the Diocese of Southeast Florida that funds the outreach ministries of the church in fulfillment of Christ’s teachings.
When was Episcopal Charities Established?
In 1997, a number of recognized and respected diocesan leaders formed and incorporated a faith-based Foundation known as The Southeast Florida Episcopal Foundation, Inc. This entity is continued until June 2006 wherein the Executive Board approved the name change to Episcopal Charities of Southeast Florida, Inc.
How Does Episcopal Charities Go About its Work?
Episcopal Charities operates much like a not for profit Foundation working with the eighty-four congregations in the Diocese to receive and analyze and evaluate grant applications from congregations throughout the Diocese. A substantial number of these ministries and programs provide much needed and volunteer and support in fulfilling the social service needs of many Episcopalians and others in need throughout the six-county Diocesan area. Grant applications are reviewed by a Diocesan wide Grants Committee. Those recommendations then go to the Episcopal Charities Board and ultimately are reviewed by the Diocesan Bishop. Once the Board of Directors and the Bishop approves the request, grant funds are distributed to the appropriate congregations. Additionally, a full range of planned giving programs are offered to congregations. These programs and workshops are encouraged and strongly recommended so as to create long term financial stability within parishes.
What is the relationship between the Diocese and Episcopal Charities?
Episcopal Charities is the philanthropic and charitable arm of the Diocese, assisting the Diocese in all activities relating to human needs, grants, disaster relief distributions, acceptance and distribution of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Several members of the Executive Board of the Diocese are also board members of Episcopal Charities. While Episcopal Charities is separately incorporated, its membership organization is composed of many diocesan leaders, both lay and clergy.
How can we submit a Grant Application?
Using the information and instructions available on this website in the Grant Application section, proposals can be submitted each year to the Episcopal Charities office. Applications will then be reviewed by the diocesan wide Grants Committee.
For further information, consultation and questions, you may contact the Episcopal Charities office at (561) 799-6424.
What are the Eligibility Standards?
Episcopal Charities provides financial support for a wide range of human services, ministries and programs that are either supported by, or sponsored by, individual parishes. Episcopal Charities believes strongly that local congregations can best determine the needs of its communities and address with the resources available to support those needs. Typical program activities include feeding programs, soup kitchens, food pantries, aging and elder care type services, summer camps, after school care, team parenting, and others.
If We Have Questions, Who Do We Call?
For grant funding and related questions, contact the Episcopal Charities office at (561) 799-6424. For planned giving programs and activities, contact Charlie Ring.
What Is The Time for Approving Grant Applications?
Completed detail information is available on this website under the application section. Typically, from the time applications are submitted until the time funds are received, is approximately four months.
What Other Services Are Offered?
The primary mission of Episcopal Charities is to encourage and establish the operation of effective parish outreach programs throughout Southeast Florida. Any activities that advance or move to accomplish that mission can be a part of Episcopal Charities services.
How is Episcopal Charities Supported?
Episcopal Charities receives support from several sources each year, including the Diocese, donors, and contributors at large. One percent of the principal assets of Episcopal Charities which allows the staff support for grant funding and contributions from parishes at large. Each year, the Episcopal Charities completes a financial audit, of which copies are available to anyone upon request.
How Can We Support The Work of Episcopal Charities?
Donations can be made at any time directly to the office of Episcopal Charities. Click on "Contact Us" in this website.
If you would like to donate by credit card, you may click on the "Donate" link in this website for further information.
If you wish to leave a legacy or testamentary gift to Episcopal Charities, please contact our office directly (561) 799-6424 and information will be sent to you about including Episcopal Charities in your estate planning.
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