The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama's Department of Mission and Outreach is offering grants for the fourth consecutive year to help parishes start new, or expand existing, outreach ministries.

"This is an exiting opportunity to expand our ministry in this diocese," said the Rev. Deacon Bruce Durbe, Mission and Outreach Department Chair.  "Our intent is to assist parishes launch and establish new outreach ministries."

The application deadline is May 1, 2008.  An announcement and application form was sent to all active clergy in the Diocese of Alabama last month. 

While parishes may -- and are encouraged to -- partner with other agencies or organizations in establishing and funding ministries, the grant money must be used for parish based outreach and may not be passed through to other agencies or groups, explained Drube. 

"The grants are intended to assist parishes who would otherwise not be able to start or extend a ministry" he said.  The grants can be renewed in some cases; however, they are not intended to be an on-going source of funding.  Parishes applying for grants that were previously funded must show that the goals of the previous year have been achieved and demonstrate progress toward near-term self-sustainability.

In 2007 the Parish Based Grants Program provided funds for four new and six existing ministries operated by nine churches in the diocese.

Among the programs funded last year, were homeless, Hispanic, adult learning, mentoring, and community garden ministries.