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About The Fund for the Diaconate

The Fund performs a vital service for our Church by assisting deacons—working, retired or disabled—who have insufficient funds for their needs. The Fund is administered by its board of directors, with the assistance of a part-time Fund Accountant and a Grants Manager. Funds are usually distributed by monthly allowances based on individual needs. Special grants can be made to cover emergencies, such as illness, dental care, disaster relief or other special needs.

The Officers and Directors of the Corporation consist of nine deacons, elected by the deacons of The Episcopal Church for three years terms.  The officers, chosen from among the board members, are president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. They are elected for one year terms at the Annual Meeting of the Corporation in October, and take office when elected.

The Annual Meeting of the Corporation in 2018 will be held on October 6 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 158 W. HIgh Street, Somerville NJ at 2 pm. Members of the Corporation entitled to vote are all ordained deacons in The Episcopal Church, who are not further ordained as priest or bishop. The board will hold its semi-annual board meeting on Tuesday October 9 at the offices of the Church Pension Group.  The other semi-annual board meeting is held on the second Tuesday in May, also in New York City, and includes a half day strategic plan review.

Reports from the Board are published semi-annually in Diakoneo, the journal of the Association of Episcopal Deacons.  Representatives of the Fund are available at the triennial meeting of AED, and at General Convention.
The Fund's Current ByLaws.
How has The Fund helped individuals in need?
  • Basic living expenses and medication for someone who has a ministry with others diagnosed with the same disease (female, age 59)
  • Help with assisted living expenses for an individual whose care needs keep increasing (female, age 76)
  • Basic living expenses due to loss of job (male, age 69)
  • Basic living expenses for an individual whose husband died, and lost her job of 35 years (female, age 61)
More info in our FAQ's.
Download this brochure for the history and general information about The Fund.