We’ve received a $1 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to expand the College for Congregational Development and translate its resources into Spanish.

CCD helps congregations become healthier and vibrant. In its first three years, 98 congregations from every region in the Diocese of New York participated— making it the most widely used resource and collaborative connection in the Diocese.

• We hold a deep commitment to the initiative. Bishop Allen Shin and Canon Víctor Conrado brought the program to New York; Canon Alissa Newton served as a founder of its national efforts.

I’m grateful for the award and excited by the additional resources for our clergy and local communities. Providing CCD resources in Spanish has been a consistent and important request by our congregations. Elevate our local communities and equip our leaders are the first two Mission Priorities.   Imagine a new financial model is another. Over the last year, the Mission Resource Task Force has studied ways to make the apportioned share paid by congregations more fair, equitable, and sustainable— and to broaden our funding for mission beyond congregational contributions. 

This grant represents a step forward for that commitment to broaden funding.

• In January, we appointed Elaine Delgado to serve as the first director of development for the diocese and coordinator of community connections. In her first year, she has helped the diocese secure the $1 million Lilly Endowment grant, helped author the Mission Resource Task Force’s recommendations for a broadened revenue model, and re-launched our website.

Preparation of the Lilly Endowment grant proposal was a team effort. Thanks to Elaine, Canon Víctor, Canon Alissa, Bishop Shin, and controller Beth Ganss for their work.

• Everyone’s invited to join the College for Congregational Development community in the Diocese. You can find out more here.

Please join me in thanking Lilly Endowment for its confidence in our ministries. We’ll continue to share ways that we’re seeking resources for mission beyond our congregations in the months to come.