• The fund provides limited financial assistance in immigration matters.
• Funds may be used to cover a variety expenses, which broadly fall into two categories: a) direct assistance to immigrants, and b) capacity building grants for immigration ministries.
• Examples of these costs include:

1. 1. Direct Assistance
      • Attorney fees to file a Habeas petition
      • Fees for a passports, other documentation, or travel costs for those self-deporting.
      • Bond monies to be released from detention
      • Other needs, such as rent, utilities, or other costs to be paid directly to the provider or to reimburse the congregation or clergy who has incurred the expense.
   2. Ministry Support Grants
      • Assisting an existing food ministry in expanding its capabilities to specifically assist immigrant families.
      • Helping a parish create a new migration ministry
      • Assisting an organization that a parish or clergy person is working in close partnership with for migration ministry work.

• Referral: Must be referred by a priest or warden of an Episcopal congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan.
• Priority is given to residents of Michigan, inclusive of those outside the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan.

• Direct Assistance Intake: Clergy or parish leadership (warden, vestry, bishop’s committee) will complete an intake form (available from the Diocese). Application will ideally include the applicant information, court date, A-number, immigration status, and statement of need.
• Immigration Ministry Grant: Clergy or parish leadership will complete an application (available for the Diocese) describing the organization’s immigration ministry requesting the funds, how the funds would be used, and what the congregation/organization is contributing as part of this specific project or request. Typically, grants could cover up to 50% of the cost, with an anticipated cap of $1,000.  (This cap is subject to review by the Bishop from time to time, based on the need and the availability of funds.)
• Review Panel: A panel of reviewers appointed by the Bishop Diocesan (including clergy and lay persons) will evaluate and approve applications. The Diocesan Bishop may also approve an application.
• Decision Timeline: Applications will be reviewed promptly to ensure timely support.
• Referring clergy, wardens, or parish leaders will be notified of decisions within a set timeframe.

• Contributions to the Diocese’s Immigration Ministries Fund by Diocesan allocation, parish contributions, private donations, and grants.
• Payments: Unless an exceptional need is established, funds are disbursed directly to service providers, congregations, or partner organizations that a parish is working with (e.g. utilities, insurance companies, governmental agencies, attorneys, etc), and not individuals.

The Diocese will summarize quarterly, donations received and monies dispersed and make this information available to the Diocesan Council.