Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups to begin or expand ministries for social and economic justice causes as they relate to the Five Marks of Mission. The Five Marks of Mission are an important statement on mission which expresses the Anglican Communion’s common commitment to an understanding of God’s holistic/integral mission. The first mark of mission is really a summary of what all mission is about, because it is based on Jesus’ own summary of his mission. Instead of being just one of five distinct activities, it should be the key statement about everything we do in mission.

The Five Marks of Mission:

• To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom;
• To teach baptize and nurture new believers;
• To respond to human need by loving service;
• To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation;
• To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

Seeds of Hope grants are available to congregations and diocesan groups (e.g., affiliated institutions, commissions and task forces) within the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia to support the development or expansion of Social Justice ministries sponsored by diocesan congregations and organizations. Seeds of Hope grants were the heart of our diocese’s Second Century “Feed My Sheep” campaign.

Funds from this drive produce income that is available on an annual basis for social justice ministries proposed by parishes, diocesan departments and commissions. It is envisioned that this seed money will be in the form of matching grants when possible so as to act as a catalyst to help parishes and other diocesan-affiliated groups begin or expand their ministries that reflect the biblical call to care and advocate for the “widow, the orphan, and the stranger.” It also includes the opportunity for special grants for economic justice causes.

Grants must support the development of new programs or support the expansion of such ministries that are already in action within congregations of the diocese. Requests that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

2022 Grant Announcement

2022 grant applications must be postmarked NO LATER THAN September 30, 2022. Awards will be announced and distributed no later than December 10, 2022. The grant must be used by July 31, 2023. Recipients must also submit a report, with pictures, if available, before applying for any subsequent grant, but no later than August 31, 2023, describing how the funds were allocated and the results of the project. Click here for application information and form.