Question 1

Who should submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)?

Accepted Answer

All Episcopal Charity Grantees and new partner applicants must complete one (and only one) LOI form. The Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first step in EC’s grants process. The LOI ensures all applicants begin with the same foundation and provides EC with a clear understanding of each program’s alignment with our mission and funding priorities.

Question 2

Will Letter of Intent (LOI) forms be sent out to us, or do we need to initiate it?

Accepted Answer

LOI forms will be available through the EC website and the Blackbaud portal on January 6th 2026. Programs are responsible for initiating and submitting the LOI within the open window which is January 6, 2026- January 26, 2026.

Question 3

Is there a form to complete the Letter of Intent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The LOI is a short online form within the Blackbaud Grants Portal. It must be completed and submitted electronically.

Question 4

What if I want to apply for more than one grant? Do I need to submit more than one LOI?

Accepted Answer

Each applicant should submit one LOI that specifies which EC grant cycle(s) you wish to apply for.

Question 5

For 501c3 programs (not churches) with liquid/cash assets over $400,000 (not investments or endowment), will they still have access to apply for non-cash grants such as Bulk Buy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, access to non-cash grants such as Bulk Buy (including equipment and hygiene grants), Immigrant Resource Hub and Frances Perkins social work support are available to organizations with any budget size.

Question 6

What if a program qualifies for two issue areas with different application dates?

Accepted Answer

Programs should submit an LOI for the issue area that most closely aligns with their primary program activities and outcomes. If EC determines a program fits better in another category, our staff will guide you to the appropriate cycle.

Question 7

Will we be able to make multiple copies of the completed Blackbaud application for our internal distribution?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can download and print a PDF copy of the completed application from your Blackbaud portal for your internal files or board distribution.

Question 8

A question on church sponsorship: supported vs. church-based: How do I know which category my nonprofit falls under?

Accepted Answer

Church-Based Program: Operates within an Episcopal parish and is directly overseen by the parish leadership. 
Church-Supported Program: A separate 501c3 nonprofit that partners with or is supported by an Episcopal parish (e.g., volunteers, space, advocacy) but is not run by the parish.

Question 9

Who is considered a “new” grantee and therefore ineligible to apply for Food Access grants in 2026? Does “new” mean never received an EC grant, or not in the past cycle? Is there another grant “new” food access grantees may be eligible for?

Accepted Answer

“New” refers to programs that have never been funded under EC’s Food Access portfolio. Programs previously funded in this category, regardless of the year, are considered returning applicants.

“New” grantees may be eligible for first-time funding for food access programs under the Innovation Fund.

Question 10

What are the background and qualifications of the Advisory Committee (AC)? What do they do?

Accepted Answer

AC members bring experience in nonprofit leadership, social services, parish ministry, finance, philanthropy, community development, and EC-funded issue areas. Their role is to: 
Review grant applications 
Make program site visits 
Provide program insight and assessment

Recommend funding levels to EC leadership EC staff provide training and guidance to ensure a fair and consistent review process.

Question 11

Can we apply for both equipment and hygiene grants (Bulk Buy) as part of our Food Access grant request in April/May?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Programs may request both types of Bulk Buy support within the Food Access application, as long as the request aligns with demonstrated need and supports program operations.

Question 12

Does the $400k limit on cash and liquid assets apply to sponsoring churches? If the sponsoring church has cash and liquid assets above $400,000 but our specific program does not, may we apply?

Accepted Answer

The $400k budget limitation only applies to 501c3 nonprofits - not to churches. Additionally, EC evaluates the financial status of the program, not the sponsoring church.

Question 13

When can we learn what time office hours will be held?

Accepted Answer

As part of your invitation to apply for the RFP, you will be notified of office hours at the opening of each grant cycle. Office hour schedules will also be posted on the EC website.

Addressing Root Causes of Hunger During COVID-19	Church of the Good Shepherd, Granite Springs	$15,400.00
All Saints Community Meal	All Saints Church, Manhattan	$3,000.00
Angel Food East	St. John's Church, Kingston	$17,000.00
Ascension Food Pantry	Church of the Ascension, Mt. Vernon	$4,000.00
Ascension Outreach, Inc.	Church of the Ascension, Manhattan	$4,000.00
Atonement Food Pantry	Church of the Atonement, Bronx	$8,000.00
Bienestar en Port Chester: A Collaborative Ministry for Wellbeing in Mind, Body, and Spirit	Christ's Church, Rye	$2,500.00
Brown Bag Program	Christ & St. Stephen's Church, Manhattan	$9,000.00
Caring Hands Food Pantry	St. John's Church, Monticello	$12,000.00
Cathedral Community Cares	Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Manhattan	$10,500.00
Christ Church Community Outreach	Christ Church (New Brighton), Staten Island	$6,000.00
Crossroads Community Services, Inc.	St. Bartholomew's Church, Manhattan	$25,000.00

Apply for Grants 2026

Letter of Intent Timeline

Frequently asked questions

Who should submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)?

Will Letter of Intent (LOI) forms be sent out to us, or do we need to initiate it?

Is there a form to complete the Letter of Intent?

What if I want to apply for more than one grant? Do I need to submit more than one LOI?

For 501c3 programs (not churches) with liquid/cash assets over $400,000 (not investments or endowment), will they still have access to apply for non-cash grants such as Bulk Buy?

What if a program qualifies for two issue areas with different application dates?

Will we be able to make multiple copies of the completed Blackbaud application for our internal distribution?

A question on church sponsorship: supported vs. church-based: How do I know which category my nonprofit falls under?

Who is considered a “new” grantee and therefore ineligible to apply for Food Access grants in 2026? Does “new” mean never received an EC grant, or not in the past cycle? Is there another grant “new” food access grantees may be eligible for?

What are the background and qualifications of the Advisory Committee (AC)? What do they do?

Can we apply for both equipment and hygiene grants (Bulk Buy) as part of our Food Access grant request in April/May?

Does the $400k limit on cash and liquid assets apply to sponsoring churches? If the sponsoring church has cash and liquid assets above $400,000 but our specific program does not, may we apply?

When can we learn what time office hours will be held?

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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Apply for Grants 2026

Letter of Intent Timeline

Frequently asked questions

Who should submit a Letter of Intent (LOI)?

Will Letter of Intent (LOI) forms be sent out to us, or do we need to initiate it?

Is there a form to complete the Letter of Intent?

What if I want to apply for more than one grant? Do I need to submit more than one LOI?

For 501c3 programs (not churches) with liquid/cash assets over $400,000 (not investments or endowment), will they still have access to apply for non-cash grants such as Bulk Buy?

What if a program qualifies for two issue areas with different application dates?

Will we be able to make multiple copies of the completed Blackbaud application for our internal distribution?

A question on church sponsorship: supported vs. church-based: How do I know which category my nonprofit falls under?

Who is considered a “new” grantee and therefore ineligible to apply for Food Access grants in 2026? Does “new” mean never received an EC grant, or not in the past cycle? Is there another grant “new” food access grantees may be eligible for?

What are the background and qualifications of the Advisory Committee (AC)? What do they do?

Can we apply for both equipment and hygiene grants (Bulk Buy) as part of our Food Access grant request in April/May?

Does the $400k limit on cash and liquid assets apply to sponsoring churches? If the sponsoring church has cash and liquid assets above $400,000 but our specific program does not, may we apply?

When can we learn what time office hours will be held?

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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