Congratulations to this year’s Church Growth and Development Grant recipients! These grants support innovative ministries and creative outreach that strengthen congregations and help share God’s love in our communities. We celebrate the exciting work these congregations are undertaking and look forward to seeing the impact of their projects.
The Church Growth and Development Grant is available annually to congregations across the Diocese of Spokane. If your church has a vision for a ministry or project that could benefit from grant funding, we encourage you to learn more and apply. Visit our website for eligibility, application information, and deadlines.
Below are the recipients who received the 2026 Church Growth and Development Grant! Let’s celebrate with them!
Grace Church, Ellensburg WA: Labyrinth Landscaping
Granted: $3,000
We are completing phase II of a Community Labyrinth project in the spring/summer 2026: landscape the site; develop a dedicated labyrinth website; print informational brochures; create video presentation for fundraising; and recruit a group of volunteers for routine maintenance.
Church of the Resurrection, Roslyn WA: Heritage Garden Project
Granted: $3000
This project will be a collaboration between the Episcopal Church in Roslyn WA, the Kittitas County Conservation District, Washington Outdoor School and community members. The church has a large lawn area to the north of the building. We will partner with Kittitas County Conservation District about to the lawn with a Heritage Garden. The purpose of Heritage Gardens is to: “Promote the use of native plants especially those of cultural significance; Promote low-water use landscaping & efficient irrigation methods; and Educate our community about the history and biodiversity of the Columbia River Basin.” These goals are within the church’s mission to care for creation and to provide opportunities to reach out and educate community members on pollinator friendly, low water landscapes. The garden will allow us to essentially practice what we preach by replacing lawn with more pollinator friendly, lower maintenance plant materials.
Church of the Resurrection, Spokane Valley, WA: A Collection of Garden Micro Projects
Granted: $5000
Our project consists of a series of small improvements designed to boost the visibility, functionality, and inclusivity of our garden and orchard, fostering stronger relationships within the neighborhood, community, and diverse faith groups. This includes a large “block” party with and for our many neighbors and sponsorship opportunities for immigrant gardeners.
Michael’s, Yakima, WA: Parkway Place Apartments Outreach
Granted: $2200
St. Michael’s Mission will deepen our relationships to the women and children in Triumph Treatment’s, Parkway Place Apartments, 2 year transitional housing program, next to St. Michael’s Mission by providing welcome baskets to families as they move into Parkway Place and gift baskets as they graduate from the program and move to permanent housing or the next step of their journey. Currently, St. Michael’s Mission hosts a Christmas Party and a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper for the families and provides Christmas presents and Easter Baskets. With this expansion of our ministry, we will be able to connect with families at critical moments in their journey as the enter and exit the program as well as maintain supportive relationships with them through their stay in transitional housing.
St. Stephen’s, Spokane, WA: Redesign and Upgrade the St. Stephen’s Website
Granted: $3000
We aim to make our website attractive, informative, and compelling, especially to the newcomer searching for a church home. We want to create a site that is easy to navigate, offering information about our liturgical services and formation classes, as well as our various ministries and programs for adults, youth, and children. We want to more accurately reflect our family-friendly congregation, open and welcoming to all people, no matter their religious background. Our mission to follow and serve Christ will be evident throughout the site.