FIRST CAPITAL GRANTS AWARDED IN CBCP PHASE 2
(May 2025) $151,404 in grants to help fund capital improvements have been awarded to a total of nine Episcopal churches in the first round of capital grants of Church Buildings for Collaborative Partnerships Phase 2. Each church must match its grant award dollar-for-dollar. The top criterion for a grant is how the proposed capital project will improve or modify space to better align a church’s property (buildings and/or grounds) with its mission.
CBCP provides a model for Indiana Episcopal congregations to increase vitality and serve mission by making the most of their buildings as assets and by developing new and stronger collaborative partnerships in their communities. We are excited to see how God will bless grant awardees in doing just that through their projects.
CBCP Capital Grants Round 1
1. St. David’s, Bean Blossom. Geothermal system replacement.
Supporting mission service to the community: Weekly food distribution, pet food distribution, annual Pollinator Camp, monthly Children’s Saturday Fun Day, location for Chamber Fest Music events, AA meetings.
2. Good Samaritan, Brownsburg. Windows & Doors, Lights and an ADA Restroom.
Furthering improvements to create a “Village Hub” of partnerships for service, making our church building a welcoming and comfortable facility that supports all aspects of Good Sam’s ministry.
3. St. Paul’s, Jeffersonville. Creation of office space for community use.
We will be looking for renters whose goals align with our mission as a parish, such as therapists, social organizations, not-for-profits. This first phase will add four offices, a restroom, kitchenette and reception area. It will allow us to help local companies, especially startups that may be on a tight budget, to operate economically. In addition, the project will provide our parish with needed income from currently unused space.
4. The Table, Indianapolis. Upgrades to audio visual system.
Installing a new, more robust audio, video, and broadcast system will allow the nave to be used for all kinds of different events: concerts, "town hall" meetings, advocacy group gatherings, etc.
5. St. Philip’s, Indianapolis. New HVAC system for basement and undercroft areas.
The area serviced by the unit is the principal gathering place for the congregation's fellowship and Christian formation and for WAYS (Why Aren't You Smiling?) a not-for-profit that supports mental well-being and community connection for teenagers and utilizes St. Philip's basement twice weekly.
6. St. Paul’s, La Porte. Parish Hall upgrades, including air conditioning and refrigerator.
Our parish hall is used regularly by three of our community partners including The La Porte Service League, the Scouts, and the Terra Verde Garden Club. Additionally, twice monthly we use this space to host free community meals. Adding air conditioning will make the space more comfortable in the summer months for these partners.
7. Trinity, Lawrenceburg. Feeding/Teaching Kitchen
Inspired by a commitment to address food insecurity by not only providing access to food but also equipping individuals with the skills to prepare healthy, nutritious meals. With the support of the CBCP grant, Trinity will renovate its outdated and inefficient kitchen into a fully functional cooking and teaching space designed to empower individuals and families to feed themselves. Partnering with Trinity are Clearing House Food Bank, Community Center, and Head Start in Lawrenceburg.
8. St. John’s, Mount Vernon. Safety Equipment for Annexed Parish House
We are still trying to reach an agreement for the house to be used for a community children's ministry. The house needs safety features including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers with wall brackets, egress ladders for the second floor, emergency fire blankets, and first aid kits for each floor. We also want to change out the traditional keyed front door lock with a coded keypad lock.
9. St. Thomas/Santo Tomás, Plymouth. Parish Hall and kitchen window replacement and reglaze and repair stained-glass windows in the nave.
This two-language congregation (English and Spanish) shares its parish hall and nave with the local community. The parish hall is used seasonally for immunizations through the Marshall County Health Department. During immunizations, the Health Department is also available to explain to Spanish speakers the importance of immunizations because we have bilingual interpreters. Users of the nave for performing arts include The Marshall Starke Development Center, Noteworthy School of Music, and Plymouth High School. Parishioners and community groups also use the parish hall for weddings, funeral visitations and luncheons, birthday parties, quinceañeras and baptisms.
NEXT GRANT DEADLINE APPROACHING
Any Indiana Episcopal congregation may apply for one CBCP Phase 2 matching capital grant and must do so online using a Google form. To learn more about the grant program and how to apply, click here: CAPITAL GRANT OVERVIEW.
Grant applications will be accepted each quarter of 2025. Remaining deadlines for applying are:
· June 30, 2025
· September 30, 2025
· December 31, 2025
If you have any questions about the matching capital grant program, the application form or uploading supportive documentation, contact CBCP Project Director Linda Buskirk at info@cbcpindiana.org.