McClure Discipleship/Discovery 2000 Funds

In the Fall of 1995, the Diocese launched a $1.6 million capital campaign, with the assistance of professional fund raising consultants, to strengthen the capacity of parishes to undertake bold new steps in mission and ministry. The campaign funded four initiatives:

Initiative One - Replenish and Increase the Bishop Butterfield Revolving Loan Fund

This loan fund has enabled parishes to borrow money, at a very low interest rate, to make needed physical plant improvements, such as handicapped access and emergency repairs. Application forms are available in the Diocesan Handbook, or click here to download the form. The Executive Committee of Diocesan Council reviews applications, with a final decision by the Diocesan Council.

Initiative Two - Talent and Resource Network

Grants are to be used "to help defray the costs of travel, supplies, materials, coordination and training, as well as other costs related to enabling experienced clergy and lay leaders (from both within and outside our Diocese) to share their time, energy and talents." Grants may be used to pay diocesan consultants working with congregations in transition.

Applications are reviewed and approved by the Congregational Support and Resources Committee on a quarterly basis. Click here to download an application form (MS Word).

Initiative Three - Congregational Renewal and Emergency Assistance Fund

Grants are to be used "to address vital issues facing congregations or their communities - issues such as new ways of involving young people in the life of the church, or solving a pressing community problem, or addressing the spiritual needs of our growing elderly populationsomething as simple as building a convenient restroom for Sunday School children, or as complex as planting a new church or establishing a community-based daycare center. Funds will also be available to assist churches facing an emergency situation."

Applications are reviewed and approved by the Congregational Support and Resources Committee on a quarterly basis. Click here to download an application form (MS Word).

Initiative Four

To create a Diocesan Outreach Fund so that parishes can help meet pressing community needs: $5,100.

"Each congregation will be invited to request seed funds for outreach projects they feel called to sponsor. Habitat for Humanity, food banks, shelters, thrift stores and fuel assistance are only a sample of the ways we could extend our mission to our communities."

Applications are reviewed and approved by the Outreach and Social Justice Committee. Click here to download an application form (MS Word).

The managers of the Fund will make available for disbursement, at each calendar quarter end, one and a quarter percent of the average value of the Fund. The amounts available will then be approximately five percent per year of market value. This policy is based upon the governing statutes of the State of Vermont and reflects a judgment as to what level of disbursement is "prudent" in terms of the expected profitability of the invested funds and the need for growth in the funds to offer protection from inflation.

McClure/Discovery 2000 Fund reports, including income, disbursements, activities and results, and results will be regularly carried in the Mountain Echo.

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