Bedell Fund

The Bedell Fund was established by a bequest from Hope Bedell to strengthen the Episcopal Church through funding of capital projects and clergy support.

Since 1994, the Bedell Fund has provided substantial support to parishes across the diocese and beyond, for a myriad of capital projects such as restoring stained glass windows, replacing HVAC systems, and structural repairs, to name a few. In addition, the Bedell Fund created a continuing education fund at the diocese for Region II clergy.

St. Matthew’s Vestry empowers a committee of parishioners who are charged with the responsibility to solicit, evaluate and make recommendations to the Vestry as to which projects should receive funding. Each year, the Vestry sets the level of funding to be made available for Bedell Fund grants.

Grants generally must meet the following guidelines.

• Most grants should be meaningful grants to aid and promote Episcopal churches and their programs and clergy in the Diocese of New York, with priority for those in Region II. Grants should be for one time capital projects and/or seed money. Grants may provide financing of clergy education, retirement or housing. Grants should not be used for ongoing operating costs.
  
• Grants to local (non-Episcopal) charitable organizations are also possible where there is a particular “Christian” aspect to their purpose.

For further information about the application process, please contact Committee Chair using the form below.