Diocese of Ontario Reach and Stretch Grants

Warm Up for Ministry: Reach and Stretch Grants

Synod 2021 saw the launch of the new diocesan ‘Reach and Stretch Grants’! Intended to inspire parishes to ‘Warm Up for Ministry,’ the Reach and Stretch Grants are made available from the New Ministry Fund and are open to any diocesan group or parish for the purpose of funding new and innovative ministries that focus on these key areas: reconciliation, lay leadership, evangelism, social action and justice and creation of a culture of gratitude.

Following a program review with Synod Council approval in February 2024, Reach Grants are available for up to $5,000 and are for launching your new ministry off to a running start, while Stretch Grants, available up to $10,000, are for supporting that new ministry as it ‘stretches to its next level of success.’

Reach and Stretch Grants will have one intake yearly with the deadline of April 1, 2024, and possibly October 1, 2024. Beginning in 2025 there will be one intake deadline of October 1.

Stretch Grants are:

• Follow ups to a successful Reach Grant program/ministry.
• Stretch Grant applications will be considered one year after a Reach Grant application.
• Criteria for Stretch Grants:
  • Available as second-stage funding once a successful outcome to a Reach Grant disbursement has been demonstrated or an existing successful ministry is ready to grow.
  • Stretch Grants are only available after a thorough report has been presented to the committee. This report should demonstrate what has worked in the initial plan and also what has not worked.
  • A limited proportion of the funds can be directed toward supporting personnel for ministry, up to, but not exceeding 50% of the total grant.  

View the video from Synod 2021 about the Reach and Stretch Grants:

For more information and to apply, email Robin Jones at grants@ontario.anglican.ca. 

Use the application form below for applying for a 'Reach and Stretch' grant.