Community Support
Each year Church of the Redeemer awards community support for the work of charitable organizations and programs, 501(c)(3) or equivalent, that seek to improve the lives of those living in poverty, primarily within the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Below are links to the 2026 grant instructions and application and a list of 2026 grantees.
Community Support Application Information
Community Support Application Guidelines and Instructions for 2026
2026 Community Support Application in Word
2026 Community Support Application in PDF
2026 Grant Applications will be due January 30, 2026.
If you have questions, please contact Jan Clarke, Outreach Grants sub-committee chair.
FAQ’S ABOUT COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS:
Why do we give grants?
Our Baptismal Covenant calls us “to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to respect the dignity of every human being by responding to human need.” One way The Redeemer does this is by awarding grants to support the work of charitable organizations and programs that help individuals experiencing poverty.
Where do we get the money for grants? The funds come chiefly from the Christmas Village (benefactors and event proceeds); the Vestry (through the operating budget) often makes a generous contribution as well. For example, the November 2025 Christmas Village netted about $60,000. The Vestry contributed funds that brought the total to the $73,000.
Why do some organizations receive grants every year? Although the grant application is available to any organization on the church’s website, our “community partner organizations” are often the only applicants. These are organizations whose missions dovetail with The Redeemer’s and whose programs offer opportunities for parishioners and clergy to connect in a variety of ways – from direct involvement with organizations’ clients to committee and board positions.
How are decisions made re: grant awards? The Community Support Committee is responsible for the process which entails annual updating of the application and guidelines, review of applications as they are received, conducting interviews with executive directors and/or site visits, and allocating available funds with care in accordance with guidelines. The committee meets on an “as needed” basis with most activity occurring from January-May. If you are interested in learning more or serving on the committee, please contact Jan Clarke.
