Applying for Financial Assistance

Introducing the Fund for the Diaconate

Since 1927 the Fund for the Diaconate has been assisting deacons -- working, retired, or disabled -- who have insufficient funds for their needs. Begun as "The Retiring Fund for Deaconesses”, the Fund has refined its purpose and is now able to serve all ordained Episcopal deacons in need. The Fund is unique in its mission of service to deacons by deacons.  All deacons in The Episcopal Church are automatically voting members of the Fund, and elect members to the board annually.

If you feel that the Fund might be able to help you, please review our Guidelines. You will notice that two types of financial aid are available -- monthly stipends for basic living expenses and one-time grants. Regardless of the type of assistance you need, you will be asked to disclose financial information to show that few other avenues for financial assistance are available to you. The Grants Coordinator will help you interpret the Guidelines and will bring your request for assistance to the Board for consideration.

Download The Request for Assistance Form. You should review the form carefully so that you can collect the necessary information in advance. As with the Guidelines, the Grants Coordinator for the Fund will help you complete the application and will bring your request to the Board, which meets semi-annually (May and October);  emergency requests can be considered in between meetings. All information given to the Fund via the Request for Assistance is held in confidentiality. All grants and stipends are reviewed annually, based on updated information.
Questions? Contact The Rev. Theresa Lewallen, Grants Administrator
We accept applications at any time. Applications will be reviewed at the Board meeting closest to your submittal. 

Submit applications by:
  • March 31, 2020 for the May meeting
  • August 31, 2020 for the Oct. meeting 
A Guide to Completing the Request for Financial Assistance.
​Request for Financial Assistance