The Ministry Allocation Fund (MAF) was created under the Capital Redeployment Policy of the Diocese, which sets up how this fund is managed and administered. It provides grants or loans in three broad categories: real estate purposes; congregational growth and ministry resources; and creating new forms of ministry.
The process for application for MAF grants follows a different approval path depending on the category. This is the approval path for MAF: Real Estate Purposes.
Guidelines
MAFs for Real Estate Purposes fall under the jurisdiction of the Property Resources department, but they’re ultimately reviewed by the Executive Board. The Executive Board will consider the needs of the Diocese and recommend to Diocesan Council how to redeploy proceeds and any income earned for real estate purposes. These recommendations can include:
- making loans or grants to acquire property
- acquiring property
- forgiving or repaying parish debt incurred to acquire property
- creating an endowment fund whose income is for real estate purposes
Grant funding for capital projects may be provided for:
- expanding an existing church
- building a new church
- property improvements, provided there is measurable enhancement of parish ministry
Consult the approval requirements under Canon 6. You’ll need to discuss any capital improvement projects with your bishop and the Property Resources Coordinator in their initial stage of development. MAF Grants are not for capital repairs or deferred maintenance.
If the building project includes alterations/improvements to Sunday School space, you can also apply for a Baker Fund Grant.
Application form/checklist
- Download the Ministry Allocation Fund Grant – Real Estate Purposes application form
- Consult with your bishop and the Property Resources Coordinator
- Your application should include:
- a completed form with signatures of the incumbent and churchwardens
- a letter of support from the bishop
- a copy of the vestry resolution giving approval in this matter
- most recent audited annual report to vestry, including all financial statements
- current operating fund statements (year-to-date)
- plans or sketches of the project, including site plan, floor plans and elevation drawings, stamped and signed by both an architect and an engineer
- quotations or estimates that are within 5% of budget
- Submit the application to Mac Moreau, director of Property Resources, for processing
Timelines
We need to receive your complete application package at least one week before the Executive Board meets (see upcoming dates on the Executive Board page). The Secretary of Synod will advise you in writing within two weeks of Diocesan Council’s approval.
FAQs
What is the typical range of the MAF Real Estate Purposes Grant award?
It depends on the nature of the request. All reasonable applications will be considered.
Do we really need a letter of support from a bishop? And how do we get one?
Yes – we can’t consider your application until it has been supported by your bishop. Contact your bishop’s office to request a letter of support. The bishop will need to see your application documents. Getting a support letter does take time, so don’t leave this until the last minute. Ideally, your bishop should be apprised of your plans from the earliest stages.
Why do we need a vestry motion?
A vestry motion confirms that the parish supports the scope of work being undertaken.
For more information, contact the Property Resources department at propertyresources@toronto.anglican.ca.