As followers of Christ we are called to “love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action” (1 John 3:18). One way to put love into action is to develop a proposal for an International Development Mini-Grant in support of the Millennium Development Goals.
The eight Millennium Development Goals were established by the United Nations and have been adopted by the Episcopal Church as a mission priority. In simplified form, they are:
1. Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
2. Achieve universal primary education
3. Promote gender equality and empower women
4. Reduce child mortality
5. Improve maternal health
6. Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
7. Ensure environmental stability
8. Develop a global partnership for development
By working to achieve these goals, we continue Christ’s ministry “to bring good news to the poor…, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free” (Luke 4:18).
Each year, the Diocese of Iowa funds grants for international development projects. At least 0.7% of the estimated net disposable diocesan income is designated for this purpose. The 2013 budget line is $7,739. Development mini-grants provide funding for projects that promote justice and peace by addressing the root causes of hunger and poverty in local situations.
In 2012, grants were awarded for:
The programs described above all advance the Millennium Development Goals, but they represent only a few of many possible ways of furthering the MDGs. The OWOC Commission welcomes new ideas and creative proposals. The 2012 budget line for International Development Mini-Grants is $7,739. If you have an idea for a project, we invite you to submit a proposal.