Introduction

The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) is inspired by the Assembly 2023 theme of “Let there be greening” as both an expression of care for creation and also the broader theme of God’s greening power at work in the church. AFC has also been influenced by Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179), a mystic and visionary of the medieval times, who broadened in her writings the understanding of “viriditas,” from the Latin word for green, to include this creative and regenerative divine activity, in which we as Christians are invited to partake. It’s both an age-old message, and an urgent message for the church today. As a result, “Viriditas—God’s Greening Power” is the focus of the 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP).

“Humankind, full of all creative possibilities, is God’s work. Humankind alone is called to assist God. Humankind is called to co-create.” (Hildegard of Bingen)

Criteria

Up to $100,000 in seed funding will be provided for new projects that prioritize climate care or “green shoots ministries” that offer new and innovative approaches to local challenges.

NOTE: Infrastructure projects are not the focus of this RFP. Applicants for Infrastructure projects are encouraged to review the regular Grant Application process at www.anglicanfoundation.org/apply. Infrastructure elements may be a component of the project plan but not the primary purpose.

Submissions will be accepted from September 1 to October 1, 2023.

PLEASE NOTE: New projects are the focus of this RFP. Projects that are concluded before October 1, 2023 will not be considered. If the total grant request greatly exceeds the $100,000 in available funding, priority will be given to first-time RFP applicants. Only one submission per applicant will be accepted.

Category A Grants: Local
Up to $5,000

Category A grants will be considered based on impact and how they support a creation care project or a new and transformational ministry in a local context.

Category B Grants: Regional
Up to $15,000

Category B grants will be considered based on impact, project scope, and how they support a creation care project or a new and transformational ministry in a city, diocese, or region.

Creation-focused programs that have received funding from AFC in the past include:

  • Community gardens
  • Innovative use of church green spaces for community-focused ministry

Transformational ministries that have received funding from AFC in the past include:

  • Lay spiritual formation and Christian education programs
  • Arts programs that reduce financial barriers for at-risk communities
  • Partnerships with community service providers in the areas of education enrichment, newcomers to Canada, and health and well-being

Eligible uses of funding include, but are not limited to, administrative expenses, travel costs, equipment, technical costs, remuneration, honoraria, and food.

Proposals must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have a strong focus on climate care or must be a project that aligns with AFC’s mission to fund transformative ministry
  • Must come under the umbrella of:
    • an Anglican Diocese, Ecclesiastical Province, or General Synod
    • an Anglican church, parish, or deanery
    • an Anglican theological college or religious order
  • Must be endorsed by a diocesan bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada
  • AFC grant may comprise up to 100% of the project budget for Category A Grants
  • AFC grant may comprise up to a maximum of 50% of the project budget for Category B Grants

The AFC Board of Directors will review proposals in November 2023 and announce the grant recipients in early December. Proposals submitted in response to this request do not count as one of the four submissions each diocese is allowed per year.

Grant Facilitator:

In order to make our grant application process more accessible, AFC has launched a grant facilitation program to provide assistance to prospective applicants as they develop their project proposals and funding applications. To schedule time with one of our Grant Facilitators, please contact: [email protected].

SUBMISSION OPTIONS

Proposals may be submitted by email, hard copy, or through the online application form below. Applications may be supplemented by multimedia if applicable. For applicants working with Grant Facilitators, the Facilitator will work with the applicant to determine the best method of submitting the application.

Fillable Submission Form – PDF

Hard copy submissions may be sent to
The Anglican Foundation of Canada
80 Hayden Street
Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2

Electronic submissions may be sent to [email protected] or by using the form below:

Online Application Form

RFP Application 2023

Section 1 – Identity of Applicant

(diocese, parish, organization, or other registered charity)
Street Address
Street Address
City
Province
Postal Code
Contact Person
Contact Person
First
Last

Section 2 – Project Description

Maximum file size: 8MB

Describe your project with as much detail as possible, including:

• Project purpose, target community, and primary location(s).
• Timeline of project, including start date and end date (if applicable).
• Project staffing, local leadership, and other partners or stakeholders.

Describe how this project will contribute to climate care or how it will seed a green shoots ministry.

Describe how this project will meet a need that is currently not being met through other local non-profit organizations.

Describe how the project will be promoted in order to maximize impact and reach, either at the local level (Category A) or regional level (Category B).

Describe the anticipated outcomes and impact of the project.

Section 3 – Financial Information

Grant Category
• AFC grant may comprise up to 100% of the project budget for Category A Grants.
• AFC grant may comprise up to a maximum of 50% of the project budget for Category B Grants.

Maximum file size: 8MB

• Show a list of all expenses, indicating the portion that AFC funding would cover.
• Show all revenues, including pledges, other grants to which application has been made, and donations in kind of property, labour, or materials.

Maximum file size: 8MB

Section 4 – Support Documentation

Provide the following supporting documents:
• Support letter from the head of the organization, member of board of directors, or other governing body.
• Support letter from the diocesan bishop.
• Proof of liability insurance.

Maximum file size: 8MB

Section 5 – Authorization

Have the head of the Applicant organization and two signing officers sign below.

We certify that the appropriate authority has approved the submission of this application and that the information provided in the application is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Type your name as signature
Type your name as signature
Type your name as signature