Episcopal Migration Ministries announces small grants program

In an effort to support churches and dioceses to respond to the concerns of immigrants and asylees and in response to ongoing raids and incursions on migrant communities by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) will offer grants of up to $7,500 to a small number of projects serving these populations. It is hoped that the modest grants made through this program will help strengthen and sustain immigration services provided within the EMM affiliate network, as well as those grassroots efforts within Episcopal parishes and institutions to protect, defend and serve vulnerable immigrants.

EMM is the arm of the Episcopal Church that advocates on behalf of refugees and immigrants. “The vulnerability of refugees and other at-risk immigrants demands that our Church press for justice and dignity for immigrants,” said EMM Director, Richard Parkins. “We hope these grants will help to build linkages with parish and diocesan programs as a way of weaving the concerns of immigrants and refugees into the fabric of faith.”

Grant applications are available on the EMM website and are due by July 20, 2007 for funding during the period August 1-December 31, 2007.