Community Outreach Grants

COMMUNITY OUTREACH GRANTS

ST. MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
COMMUNITY OUTREACH GRANTS COMMITTEE

2026 GRANT PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

Program Description

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church has a long history of helping people in need in Bristol, RI and the East Bay community. The Community Outreach Grants Committee (COGC) administers the church grant proposal process and makes funding recommendations to the church Vestry. The Vestry determines the number and amount of the grants that will be awarded each year. St. Michael’s expects to issue three grants of $3,000.00 each in the coming year. In addition to awarding grants, the church provides direct service volunteers to area non-profit organizations and charities.

St. Michael’s Outreach supports the community through both financial aid and direct service.

  • Grant Program: The Committee will fund three grants of $3,000 each year.
  • Direct Ministries: Our ongoing efforts include Laundry Love (twice monthly at Star Laundromat)  and Building Bridges, a monthly luncheon for Veterans held at the Parish House.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Service Area: The organization must provide services directly to disadvantaged populations within Bristol or the East Bay Area of Rhode Island.
  • Nonprofit Status: Must possess and provide proof of 501(c)(3) nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at the time of application submission.
  • Program Outline: Must submit a detailed program outline that targets a specific, defined population and includes measurable goals and outcomes. (see grant criteria elements)
  • Financial Commitment: Must commit to expending the full grant amount ($3,000) within twelve (12) months of the date of receipt.
  • Submission: All applications must meet all outlined grant submission requirements and be received by January 31st, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Site visits-The Outreach Committee will conduct follow-up visits with organizations receiving March grants in the spring. 
  • Post-Grant Requirement: The organization’s Executive Director (or an authorized representative) must agree to give a presentation to the St. Michael’s Church congregation. This short presentation will focus on the impact of the $3,000 grant on the organization’s services and essential work.

Grant Proposal Timeline:

  • On the Second Monday in December, the Proposal Form and Instructions will be posted on St. Michael’s website and Facebook page.
  • The electronic proposals are due by 5:00 pm on January 31, 2026.
  • Grants will be awarded in March 2026.

Grant will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • All parts of the application are fully completed.
  • The organization’s program responds to a serious community need.
  • Definition of a serious community need: Significant, urgent evidence-based problem that negatively affects a specific population or the community as a whole.
  • The organization’s program will bring about tangible changes in people’s lives.
  • The plan for St. Michael’s grant funding identifies a specific focus area and target population.
  • No more than 25% of the funds will be used for salaries.

Using the Google form, the following elements of the Community Grant Application must be included:

  1. Cover letter
  2. List of the Board of Directors or the governing body
  3. Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) nonprofit status letter 
  4. The most recent IRS Form 990 
  5. Most recent Statement of Activities (Income Statement)
  6. Most recent Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) 
  7.  Annual Report (if the organization has one)
  8. Optional documents: (Brochures or printed materials)

Grant Proposal Submission Instructions:

  1. The Grant Proposal Form should be completed electronically here: https://forms.gle/fxmdfvpB3mDuWgnc7 and must be received by 5:00 pm on January 31st, 2026.
  2. All submissions must use the Grant Proposal Form. 
  3. Questions about St. Michael’s grant process should be directed to Deb Rude, Chair of the Community Outreach Grants Committee.

St. Michael’s will not award grants for individuals; capital campaigns; schools, scholarships, sporting events, parent teacher organizations, or alumni groups; fraternities, sororities, or political groups; or multi-year requests.

Note: Ordinarily, an organization may apply for and receive St. Michael’s grants for three consecutive years, then wait at least one year before applying again. Grant guidelines continually evolve, and the St. Michael’s reserves the right to change the evaluation criteria without prior notice at any time.

Grant Proposal and Review Process Timeline 

December 5, 2025: Proposal Form and Instructions posted on St. Michael’s website

January 31, 2026: Proposals due electronically by 5:00 p.m.

March: Awards issued

Click here to complete the 2026 Grant Application.