We are pleased to announce the Invite Welcome Connect Small Grant Program, an additional one-time cycle of the Marge Christie Fund approved by Diocesan Council to offer financial support to help churches engage more intentionally in the ministries of evangelism, hospitality, and connectedness.
- Grants of up to $2,000 are available for individual parishes.
- Collaborating parishes may apply together for up to $5,500.
About Invite Welcome Connect
Guided by the Gospel imperative to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” Invite Welcome Connect equips and empowers congregations to practice evangelism (Invite), hospitality (Welcome), and belonging (Connect).
Resources available
As a parish in the Diocese of Newark, you have full access to the Invite Welcome Connect On-Demand Digital Library which gives all members unlimited, 24/7 access to: Video workshops, Checklists and downloadable tools, Quick quizzes and transcripts, Idea-generation tools, and more. To access follow this link invitewelcomeconnect.com/ondemand.
Use the diocesan passcode when prompted: IWC2025_M28:19
Additionally, the book Invite Welcome Connect by Mary Parmer is available through online booksellers like Amazon.
Examples of Eligible Projects
INVITE (Evangelism)
- Providing tools for members to invite others
- Updating or improving your parish website for newcomers
- Outreach strategies to connect with the wider community
WELCOME (Hospitality)
- Greeter ministries and visitor follow-up systems
- Hosting newcomer receptions
- Signage or training that helps guests feel seen and welcomed
CONNECT (Belonging)
- Newcomer classes or gatherings
- Small groups and newcomer pathways
- Initiatives that help newcomers find community and purpose
What’s Not Eligible
- Replacing budgeted items or covering ongoing parish expenses
- Generic marketing without a specific newcomer plan
- Unrelated property improvements
Timeline
- Application Opens: August 15
- Application Deadline: October 15
Need Help or Have Questions?
Contact: Canon Margo Peckham Clark or Cynthia McChesney
May this grant be a blessing to your ministry and a catalyst for deepening your church’s culture of invitation, welcome, and connection.
