Ward J. Herbert Fund - The Diocese of Newark

Mission Statement: To assist congregations in enforcing the canons which stipulate that the vestries and executive committees are legally responsible for the care and maintenance of all churches properties and to make certain that all buildings are sound, all building systems function properly and all unsafe conditions are repaired promptly.

Program Purpose: To provide funds to be used exclusively for the restoration, repair and improvement of the churches and buildings of the diocese in order to extend their usefulness.

Fund Criteria: Deterioration of structure including roof, steps, floors, sidewalks, foundations; hazards such as plumbing, electrical wiring; emergencies such as inoperative furnace, etc. (NOTE: New construction, air conditioning, asbestos remediation, lead paint abatement and stained glass window repair are not included).

Diocesan Compliance Requirements: Before any funding is disbursed, your congregation must be up to date with the most recent Canonical requirements:

1. Parochial Report (most recent March 1 Deadline)
2. Audit (most recent September 1 deadline)
3. Congregational pledge (most recent December 1 deadline).

(NOTE: All applications will be considered regardless of current status of compliance, however, funds cannot be disbursed without these items submitted.)

Amount of Request: The maximum amount that may be requested is limited to 50% of the total project cost. (NOTE: Funding amounts can vary based on total requests per cycle, with a maximum allowed amount of 50% of project total)

50/50 Matching Grant: A grant from the Ward J. Herbert Fund is a 50/50 matching grant. Funds granted must be matched dollar for dollar by the applicant church. This can be accomplished by:

1. Congregational building fund, consisting of actual cash or short term pledges
2. Loans from any sources (any loans resulting in an encumbrance of property must have approval of Bishop’s office and Standing Committee).
3. Insurance settlement
4. Other grants

Grant Request Timing: Any project within scope can be eligible to receive funding based on these considerations of a project’s timeframe.

1. Projects must be completed within 12 months of grant award or funds will be forfeited.
2. If funds are not disbursed within one year of the grant award, a written request for an extension must be submitted to the Ward J. Herbert Board.
3. Grant Requests for previously completed projects may be submitted within 12 months of project completion.

Applications for Ward J. Herbert grants are received three times a year. If any of these dates falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline will be the next business day.

February 15 for mid-spring funding
April 15 for late-spring funding
October 1 for early winter funding

Applications must be received by 12 noon on the deadline for the desired funding cycle.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered during that cycle.

Each church may submit ONE request per grant cycle.

Diocesan requirements for funding

Churches must be in compliance with financial reporting obligations, including:

current parochial report;
current audit;
pledge card on file.

Ward J. Herbert grant application

"*" indicates required fields

Church Name & Town*

Clergy/Warden in Charge: Name*

First Last

Clergy/Warden in Charge: Email*

Clergy/Warden in Charge: Phone*

Project contact: Name*

First Last

Project contact: Email*

Project contact: Phone*

Project type*

Note: If you have to select "Other," your project MAY be out of scope.

Specify "Other" project type*

Project $ amount requested*

Up to 50% of eligible project costs

Total project cost*

Location of project*

Church

Rectory

Parish Hall

Project start date*

Project end date*

Describe the problem for which funding is sought*

Date of problem origin*

What steps were taken to evaluate and remediate the problem?*

How will the work be done? (Outline phases to completion, including time line for project and schedule for payments)*

List, Itemize and describe what you're seeking funding for*

Detailed accounting of source of matching funds including specific details of sweat equity portion of the grant and both sides of the cancelled checks*

In the event that funds are sought to correct a building code violation, the application must include a statement from the proper authority that the work described will satisfy the outstanding requirements*

If you do not receive all requested funding, how will you fund your project?*

When you click "Submit," the person designated as the Clergy/Warden in charge will receive an email with further instructions and two links:

a link to a downloadable Excel spreadsheet with worksheets that must be completed;
a link to a Dropbox to upload the spreadsheet plus any supporting materials.

If you don’t see this email in your inbox, check your spam filter for an email from episcopalhouse @ dioceseofnewark.org.

Questions? Contact:

John A. King

Contact