What We Do
BURGESS URBAN FUND
The Burgess Urban Fund, a grants program of the Episcopal City Mission, nurtures grassroots organizing to respond to social injustice in Massachusetts. Established in 1976, the Burgess Urban Fund has supported hundreds of grassroots organizations, namely, those that engage a community in identifying shared social concerns and developing the leadership of those affected by social inequality. Both faith-based and secular organizations are invited to apply.
Read more about the Burgess Urban Fund.
PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY NETWORK
Public Policy Advocacy Network connects Christians in Massachusetts whose faith leads them to seek just and compassionate public policies. Our membership consists of over 800 individuals in Massachusetts communities including the Cape, greater Boston, the North Shore, Fall River, New Bedford and the South Coast.
- Join us for our annual Lobby Day at the State House (spring) and the Fall Advocacy Convocation, a time to meet and share with Christian advocates from around the state.
- For links to the legislature, see the Resources page.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Parish-based Economic and Community Development Program provides funding for congregations to plan parish sponsored business ventures. The Social Enterprise should promote economic development in the congregation’s neighborhood or community and have a double bottom line – both an economic and social return.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAM
The Affordable Housing Program offers congregations financial and technical resources to help congregations build affordable housing in their community. See our 2007-2008 Affordable Housing Annual Report for details.
PELHAM FUND FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE
We are not currently accepting applications
The Pelham Fund for Economic Justice, a joint venture with the Diocese of Massachusetts provides capital to community economic development loan funds. The Pelham Fund borrows funds from parishes and individuals and re-lends to organizations that specialize in lending to small businesses, micro-enterprises, the self-employed, worker-owned businesses, cooperatives, and land trusts. These lenders are selected for their commitment to economic justice, experience with small business lending and economic development, financial stability, and geographic focus.
Community Loan Funds that the Pelham Funds lends to:
- Allston Brighton CDC
- Coastal Community Capital
- Cooperative Fund of New England
- Jobs for Fall River
- New Bedford Economic Development Council
- New Hampshire Community Loan Fund
- Opportunities Credit Union
MORVILLE HOUSE
Morville House provides affordable housing and supporting services to low and moderate-income elders and people of any age with mobility impairment. The building contains approximately 170 apartments and creates an environment where residents of diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds can live in community with a sense of pride and belonging. The Morville House staff encourages residents to be active participants in the larger community, sustaining a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.