The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) Board of Directors met in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 17–18, 2023, and approved $245,000 in grants to 32 applicants in 19 Dioceses, bringing the 2023 grants total to date to $328,000.
“We are pleased to have been able to award a total of $35,000 for three Diverse Infrastructure projects in the Diocese of Ontario,” says Dr. Scott Brubacher, executive director. “When combined with an earlier discretionary grant of $5,000 to Morningstar Relief Mission in Napanee, this brings the 2023 disbursements total to $40,000.” Projects funded include:
- St. Lawrence Church, Brockville, St. Lawrence Accessibility Project, $15,000
- St. Mark’s Church, Barriefield, Essential Repairs to Church Tower, $10,000
- St. James Church, Kingston, Rehabilitation of St. James Nave below-grade foundation walls, $10,000
- Morningstar Relief Mission, Napanee, High School Hot Meal Program, $5,000.
Since 2010, AFC has provided $181,500 in funding to 28 recipients in the Diocese of Ontario—$44,000 of which has support youth-oriented projects. “We are tremendously grateful for the support of the Anglican Foundation of Canada,” says the Ven. David Selzer, diocesan executive officer. “By investing generously in our churches—so that our buildings are safe, accessible, and welcoming—and by driving innovation with their special focus on children and youth through the Say Yes! to Kids program, AFC is not just a dependable partner in ministry, but a visionary one as well.”
Brubacher says that nationally, the Board and the Grants Committee commented on the size and scope of many of the projects. “The 2nd quarter grants cycle has been the most robust for infrastructure projects since prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic,” says Brubacher. “It’s exciting to see so many ambitious capital accessibility projects coming forward.”
Noteworthy, too, Brubacher says has been the new focus on choral scholarships as more parishes see the potential to grow their music programs and make their membership more inter-generational. “Both of the Sacred Music & Liturgical Arts grants this cycle were for choral scholarships,” says Brubacher. “More and more small choirs are experiencing growth and new life thanks to these grants through the A.E.J. Fulford Trust.”
The next AFC grant application deadline is July 1. For more information on AFC’s new grant categories or to apply for an AFC grant, visit www.anglicanfoundation.org/apply.
Stewardship Reflections with the Ven. Wayne Varley