What is the mission and purpose of Episcopal Charities?
Episcopal Charities is the philanthropic and planned giving arm of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida. Its mission is to provide financial and program support for new and existing parish outreach ministries in the fulfillment of Christ's teachings. Episcopal Charities seeks to:
- Encourage local parish outreach and engage parishioners and volunteers to respond to human needs in their communities.
- Provide services that will enhance ministry and program success.
- Heighten the awareness in this Diocese and the community at large about the needs, concerns and suffering present in Southeast Florida.
When was Episcopal Charities established?
In 1997, a number of respected Diocesan leaders formed and incorporated a faith-based Foundation known as The Southeast Florida Episcopal Foundation, Inc. The Foundation continued until June of 2006 wherein the Diocesan 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 faith-based, United Way, providing grant funding for the eighty-four congregations throughout the Diocese. Grant applications are reviewed by a diocesan-wide Grants Committee, known as the Matthew 25 Committee. These recommendations then go to the Episcopal Charities board and ultimately are reviewed by the Diocesan Bishop. Once the board of directors and the Bishop approve the requests, 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 recommended 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, Grant distribution, Disaster Relief distributions, acceptance and distribution of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) funds. Several members of the executive board of the Diocese are also board members with Episcopal Charities. While Episcopal Charities is separately incorporated, its board membership is composed of many Diocesan leaders, both lay and clergy. The Diocese does provide annual funding to Episcopal Charities.
Why is it better to give to Episcopal Charities than directly to one of its parish partner ministries?
Giving to Episcopal Charities directly enables donors to add significant value to their financial gifts. Through its grants program and its ongoing relationship with its partner agencies and parishes, Episcopal Charities is able to identify the most beneficial programs and ministries of its parish partners, and thus be able to focus its grant money where it can do the most good. It is often difficult for individuals and small foundations without staff to identify the appropriate programs or make informed distinctions which will enable funds to be used most efficiently and productively. Through the economies of scale, Episcopal Charities is able to obtain lower investment fees and administrative costs in managing money in which it is entrusted. Finally, and maybe most important, Episcopal Charities is able to provide more than money to its parish partners, including management advice, related resources, technical assistance, periodic workshops, and round table discussions and a variety of other services to newly formed organizations or those programs that are trying to grow and mature.
Does Episcopal Charities only support programs with a parish affiliation?
Episcopal Charities supports programs with a connection to an Episcopal congregation in the Diocese of Southeast Florida. Those services must be non-sectarian and available to all persons in need regardless of religious affiliation.
What is the range in dollar amounts of Episcopal Charities grants?
The average grant recommended by Episcopal Charities last year was just over $6,000.00. The largest grant was $25,000.00, and the smallest was $1,500.00.
What kind of programs or activities does Episcopal Charities support?
Episcopal Charities provides support for a wide range of human service programs. An important requirement for support is that the program addresses a clear and obvious human need of a group of persons in the community. Episcopal Charities believes that a local congregation can best determine the needs of its community and address those needs with resources that are available within that local community or neighborhood. Typical program activities include feeding programs; soup kitchens or food pantries - aging and elder care, transitional housing, after school and summer camp programs for youth and migrant children; and homeless programs.
Does Episcopal Charities offer grants to individuals or for scholarship?
No. Funds are available only for organized programs through church sponsored or related Episcopal affiliates in the six county Diocesan area.
How is Episcopal Charities supported?
Episcopal Charities receives support from several sources:
- The Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida
- Direct fundraising efforts
- Administrative fees for the oversight of two philanthropic trusts
- Contributions from board members
How Does Episcopal Charities manage funds entrusted to it?
Episcopal Charities retains professional money managers. Currently, The Blair and Agnes Smith Charity Trust is managed by the National Episcopal Church, using professional fund managers in New York. Another charitable fund is managed by Northern Trust and short term investments to include, cash and cash equivalents, have oversight provided by a Board of Directors investment committee.
What is the role of the Board of Directors of Episcopal Charities?
The board provides oversight and corporate governance of the operations in the organization, to ensure that prudent management policies are in place and that the staff is confidently and efficiently performing its work. Board members seek to set a leadership example in giving, serve as an advocate for Episcopal Charities and encourage outreach throughout the Diocese.
How can I make a financial contribution to Episcopal Charities?
Donations can be made at any time by credit card in the donate section of this website. If you prefer to donate by mail, you may send a check to the Episcopal Charities office. You may contact the Episcopal Charities office directly for other ways in which you can contribute.
How can I volunteer for one of the ministries or programs?
Last year, Episcopal Charities provided grant funding for thirty-six ministries and programs throughout the Diocese. Many of these programs are in need of compassionate and capable volunteers, depending on the ministry itself and the location in which it operates, Episcopal Charities can facilitate placement of volunteers.
Please call our office for further information (561) 799-6424.
If we have questions, who do we call?
You may call the Episcopal Charities office with any question and we will be happy to help.
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