Stewardship Matters: Announcing Invite Welcome Connect Grant Opportunity

When we talk about stewardship, we might think first about managing budgets, caring for buildings, or protecting the beauty of creation. But one of God’s greatest gifts to us is people — those already in our church family and those we have yet to meet.

The Invite Welcome Connect ministry is about faithfully stewarding those relationships:

• Invite others into the story God is telling in our community.
• Welcome them with genuine warmth and hospitality.
• Connect them in ways that nurture belonging and deepen discipleship.

This is why the Diocese of Newark is launching the Invite Welcome Connect Small Grant Opportunity — to give parishes tools and resources to cultivate these life-changing relationships.

About this Opportunity

This is a competitive, one-time additional cycle of the Marge Christie Fund, approved by Diocesan Council.

Funding amounts:

• Up to $2,000 for individual parishes
• Up to $5,500 for collaborating parishes

Please Note:

• All applications will be reviewed for appropriateness and must meet all guidelines to be considered.
• The program has a discrete funding pool, so it is possible that not all applicants will receive the full amount requested — and some may not be funded at all.
• Funding will be distributed in December 2025.

Apply here: Invite Welcome Connect Small Grant Application

What Is Invite Welcome Connect?

Grounded in the Gospel imperative to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), Invite Welcome Connect equips congregations to practice:

• Invite – Evangelism and outreach
• Welcome – Radical hospitality
• Connect – Belonging and discipleship

Examples of Eligible Projects

Invite – Member training in invitation, updating parish website for newcomers, outreach to the wider community.
Welcome – Greeter ministries, visitor follow-up, newcomer receptions, signage or hospitality training.
Connect – Newcomer classes, small groups, helping newcomers find purpose and community.

Not Eligible

• Replacing budgeted items or ongoing parish expenses
• Generic marketing without a newcomer plan
• Unrelated property improvements

Timeline

• Applications Open: August 15
• Application Deadline: October 15
• Funding Distributed: December 2025

Additional Resources Available

• Invite Welcome Connect On-Demand Digital Library — Workshops, checklists, transcripts, and tools.
  Passcode: IWC2025_M28:19
  invitewelcomeconnect.com/ondemand
• Invite Welcome Connect by Mary Parmer — available from online booksellers.

Before You Apply

To be considered for funding, your application must:

• Clearly describe how your project supports Invite Welcome Connect (Invite, Welcome, or Connect).
• Include a detailed plan, timeline, and budget.
• Follow all application instructions exactly.
• Be submitted no later than October 15.
• Be for a new initiative — not a replacement for budgeted or ongoing parish expenses.

Please note:

• This is a competitive grant process — applications will be reviewed for appropriateness and may be rejected.
• The program has a discrete funding pool, so it is possible that not all applicants will receive the full amount requested — and some may not be funded at all.
• Funding will be distributed in December 2025.