Episcopal Charities

Action Networks

Episcopal Charities’ mission is to address the root causes of poverty throughout the Diocese of California by providing financial and volunteer support to projects in each deanery. To do this work we have created Action Networks in each of six regions of the diocese -- Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, the Peninsula, San Francisco, and Southern Alameda. These networks come together to find the best projects in their own communities for Episcopal Charities’ support. By using the knowledge and insight of Episcopal congregants and members of the wider community, Episcopal Charities is able to find projects in each area that are addressing the root causes of poverty and to engage with people who are passionate about ending the cycle of poverty.

Who can participate in the new vision?

We invite EVERYONE – Episcopal clergy and congregants, individuals from other faith communities, social service agencies, local and national government, and local communities – to become a part of this effort, by joining our Action Networks and by identifying projects where Episcopal Charities’ support can make a critical difference. To become a member of an Action Network fill out the form to the right, or just attend the next meeting in your area. All meeting dates and times are posted on this website.

HOW DO THE ACTION NETWORKS WORK?

Over the course of several months, beginning in the Fall , Action Network members meet three times to brainstorm a list of potential projects, conduct research and interviews, and select the project they would like Episcopal Charities to support. At that point Episcopal Charities requests a formal proposal from the selected agency and conducts due diligence of the agency and project. The final step in the process is the approval of Episcopal Charities’ board of directors.

The chosen agency receives a grant of up to $10,000, renewable for up to three years, and access to Episcopal Charities’ network of professional level volunteers in such areas as accounting, strategic planning and development. Through this model, Episcopal Charities and members of the Action Networks can be actively engaged in the projects chosen for support.

WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS DOES EC SUPPORT?

Episcopal Charities Action Networks seek out projects that address the root causes of poverty in the areas of health, education, or environment. The main criterion used by Episcopal Charities in its decision to support a project is the recommendation of the members of each Action Network. However Episcopal Charities has established the following guidelines that must be met for a project to be supported. Click Here to download the grant guidelines.

PLEASE JOIN US

To join the Action Network in your region just fill out the form to the right. If you would like learn more or have any questions, please contact the Rev. Justin Cannon at jcannon@episcopalcharities.org or 415-869-7810. All Action Network meetings are listed on our website, as is information about supported projects in each region.