The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago

The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago

Congregations Commission

2016 Vitality Grant Application

The Congregations Commission invites you to apply for a 2016 Vitality Grant; beginning this year, all congregations are eligible to apply. Congregations may qualify based on the information provided in this application, and grant funds available. A meeting between key congregation leader(s) and your Congregations Commission liaison, if you have one, is strongly recommended. If you have any questions please contact your liaison or Kara Wagner-Sherer, chair of Congregations Commission, at or 773.960.1889.

This application is due September 15, 2015.Mailed applications must be postmarked by September 15. Emailing your application is strongly encouraged. Late applications will not be considered. Funding decisions are expected by October 1, 2015. Submissions may be made electronically (emailed to Louisa McKellaston, ) or via the Postal Service. Louisa will confirm receipt of all applications to the sender. If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact her.

Part 1: Basic Information

You will need your last parochial report and your CAT Vital Signs or Conversations report. If you do not have that, please contact Louisa McKellaston at .

Congregation name and address: ______

______

Name & contact info of person completing application:______

Phone: ______Email: ______

2016 Vitality Grant Amount requested: $ ______
2015 Vitality Grant Received (if applicable): $ ______

Average weekend attendance 2014:______2015 (YTD): ______

Pledge & plate income for 2014:______2015 (thru 6/30): ______

Number of pledging units in 2014:______2015: ______

Year CAT taken: ______

Energy/Satisfaction quadrant position: ______

(CAT Vital Signs, p. 6; Conversations, p. 4)

Adaptability/Theology quadrant position: ______

(CAT Vital Signs, p. 15; Conversations, p. 8)

Please attach income/expense statements and balance sheets for year-end 2014, and YTD 2015.

Part 2: Strengths, Challenges, Vision and Goals

Please answer the following questions using no more than 1-2 pages total.

(Bullet points are fine!)

1. What makes your congregation vital? (How do you make a difference in peoples’ lives?)

2. How will the grant you have requested help your congregation to carry out God’s mission in your wider community?

3. What are your goals and priorities for the coming year?

Part 3: Signatures and Submission

Vicar/Rector/ Priest in Charge: ______Date: ______

Warden: ______Date: ______

Submit completed application to Louisa McKellaston at or 65 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.

Louisa must have the application by 5:00 pm, September 15, 2015 (or a postmark no later than September 15). Email is strongly encouraged.Late applications will not be considered.