Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund
The Bishop’s Church Emergency Fund (BCEF) provides financial support for church buildings in the diocese needing repairs and renovation, usually with a special focus on emergency and unforeseen needs. Through the BCEF, you can support the critical needs identified by the Bishop.
How It Works
A series of four calls per year go to members of the BCEF who have pledged in advance to support work the bishop deems important. If you would like to donate, click here.
Purpose of the Fund
Created in 1910, the BCEF’s original purpose was missionary expansion. This nearly came to a halt during the Depression, when it helped to pay mortgages and save church buildings from being sold. In recent decades, a majority of calls have helped congregations repair and renovate aging buildings.
Our churches, like our bodies, are temples of the holy. They draw us inward to worship and grow spiritually. They propel us outward to work for justice and to offer hospitality where it is needed. They house the nurture of our congregations and their service to their neighborhoods. BCEF calls repair buildings, and they provide seed money for new mission programs.
Diocesan Requirements for Funding
There are basic diocesan requirements for each of the grants and loans. Churches must be in compliance with canonical requirements, including current parochial reports; audits; and current pledge card on file. Certain grant programs of the diocese require additional compliance such as Safeguarding God’s Children.