The Chapel of the Cross Seed Fund is a community-focused grant program designed to support innovative early-stage initiatives within the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, with a particular preference for Orange County. Established by the Chapel of the Cross parish, the fund aims to catalyze new community projects that address identified needs and inspire parishioner involvement. It serves as a means to both initiate direct service and encourage further development through parish support and broader community engagement.
The purpose of the Seed Fund is to stimulate creative programming that may not have been possible without initial funding. These projects can take many forms, including new physical structures, capital campaigns, or fresh initiatives developed by nonprofit organizations. The defining characteristic of funded projects is their potential to generate lasting positive impact and engagement within the community, especially when driven by imagination and responsiveness to unmet needs.
Each year, a single grant is awarded through a structured selection process overseen by an advisory committee of parishioners and members of the Vestry. The application window typically opens in the spring, with reviews and finalist selection occurring during the summer months. The grant recipient is formally announced in the fall. For the 2025 cycle, the application window closed on April 24, and the program is currently between application periods.
The Seed Fund offers grants ranging between $15,000 and $25,000 per project. It is not a recurring funding stream for the same initiatives, but rather a launchpad intended to unlock opportunities that may otherwise remain out of reach. Submissions are welcome from both parish members and individuals from the broader community, as long as the proposals align with the Seed Fund's criteria of catalytic impact and geographic relevance.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor parish communications for updates on future grant cycles. Those with questions or seeking additional information about eligibility or the submission process can reach out via email to seedfund@thechapelofthecross.org. The program embodies a vision of faith-driven innovation, inviting participation from diverse community members to help seed transformational change.
