About The Fund for the Diaconate

The Fund performs a vital service for our Church by assisting deacons--working, retired, in formation or disabled—who have insufficient funds for their needs. The Fund is administered by its board of directors, with the assistance of our part-time Grants Administrator, Director of Communications, and 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 eleven deacons, nine elected as directors by the deacons of The Episcopal Church for three years terms, plus the President and Treasurer.  The vice-president and secretary, plus the assistant secretary and assistant treasurer if necessary, are elected from among the directors;  the president and treasurer may be elected from outside the board.  Director terms begin on January 1, while officers are elected for one year terms at the reorganization of the Board in early January, and take office at the conclusion of that meeting.

The Annual Meeting of the Corporation is held virtually each October. Deacons interested in attending the meeting should contact President Deacon Keith McCoy, in order to receive a Zoom invitation.  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 typically meets in person to conduct business around the second Tuesday in May, and in mid-October, usually in New York City.  The meetings, which include reviews of grants, financial reports, and other business, are over the course of two days.  Expenses for directors to attend the board meetings are covered by the Fund.

Reports from the Board are published semi-annually in Diakoneo, the journal of the Association for Episcopal Deacons (AED). Representatives of the Fund are available at AED's Archdeacon & Deacon Directors conferences, and at General Convention.
President Deacon Keith McCoy
How has The Fund helped deacons in need?
  • Emergency grant for a young deacon and her family affected by lost income due to Covid. 
  • Formation grants to three postulants: Each received assistance with mileage to formation classes (one used the entire grant for mileage);  One received tuition for required courses; One received payment to cover books and CPE. Each of the three postulants also receives Social Security.
  • Basic living expenses due to loss of job.
Legal name: The Fund for the Diaconate of The Episcopal Church
Tax ID: 23-7125960
All deacons in The Episcopal Church are automatically voting members of the Fund, and elect members to the board annually.
Key Dates: 1857 - present
​For Deaconesses, The Retiring Fund for Deaconesses, and The Fund for the Diaconate. 
"Thank you so much that the Fund for the Diaconate saw my need and contributed to me and my family during the time of lockdown.” ~ Deacon E., recipient of Emergency Grant
Association for Episcopal Deacons
An association of persons and dioceses in The Episcopal Church whose mission is to increase participation and involvement of all baptized persons in Christ's diaconal ministry, especially by promoting and supporting the diaconate.
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