Trinity Grants Redefines Funding Guidelines for Africa

The Trinity Grants Program announced new guidelines Feb. 5 for determining funding parameters within the Anglican Communion in Africa.

The guidelines are the result of four consultations held across the continent of Africa between November 2008 and June 2009 and reflect the work of 70 African bishops who came together to identify funding areas that would support local challenges such as HIV/AIDS, famine, economic deprivation and weak civic institutions, as well as nurture connections with Anglican provinces, dioceses and local leaders, according to a news release.

“We have learned with our partners that relationships are more important than resources alone. The African consultations provided an opportunity for all of us to listen to each other,” said the Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper, rector of Trinity Wall Street.  “Participating bishops were able to share their experiences and development challenges which in turn helped us to develop funding initiatives that meet their direct needs.  We believe that these new funding areas will not only strengthen the church within but help create an environment where the next generation of leaders can grow, learn and thrive.”

The consultations – held in Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania and Burundi – helped to identify four areas of funding aimed at meeting the needs of African parishes while complementing Trinity’s strategic goals to strengthen the church and raise the next generation of leaders, the release said.

The funding areas are: Leadership and contextual education; microfinance and vocational training; peace building and reconciliation; and financial sustainability and stewardship.  The funding guidelines are intended to support programs that encourage leadership, economic sustainability and social stability.

“Through funding in these areas, the Trinity Grants Program seeks to support the Anglican Communion in Africa to be self-sustaining, engaged in deeply mutual partnerships and acting for and with the next generation as agents of change in local communities,” said the Rev. Canon James G. Callaway, deputy for Anglican partnership and faith formation at Trinity Wall Street. 

Source: The Episcopal Life Online (http://www.episcopal-life.org/81799_119209_ENG_HTM.htm)

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