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 Grants Administrator and a Bookkeeper. 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 ten deacons, nine elected by the deacons of The Episcopal Church for three years terms, plus the Treasurer. The vice-president and the secretary are elected from among the directors, the president and treasurer may be elected from outside the board. All officers are elected for one year terms at the Annual Meeting of the Corporation in January, and take office when elected. 

The Annual Meeting of the Corporation in 2019 will be held on Monday October 7 at 4 pm, at the office of the Church Pension Group, 19 East 34th Street, New York City. Deacons interested in attending the meeting should register by Sunday October 6 at president@fundfordiaconate.org. 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 Fall board meeting on October 8-9 at the CPG offices. The other semi-annual board meeting is generally held on the second Tuesday/Wednesday 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.
Key Dates: 1857 - present
​For Deaconesses, The Retiring Fund for Deaconesses, and The Fund for the Diaconate.