CFWI
Strengthening Clergy for Sustainable Ministry in the Anglican Church in North America
The Anglican Church in North America has been blessed to receive a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment’s Economic Challenges Facing Pastors Initiative, empowering us to address the financial pressures that often burden clergy and their families. This multi‑year effort is designed to strengthen the long‑term well‑being of our clergy, equip them with practical financial tools, and build a culture of sustainability across our dioceses.
Three Major Areas of Impact
The Lilly Endowment Economic Challenges Facing Pastors Initiative does three things…
1 — The Clergy Support Fund
Matching funds that help dioceses build sustainable systems of care for clergy wellbeing and support
2 — The Clergy Cohort Training Program
Multi-month cohorts that equip clergy with financial wisdom, mentorship, and supportive peer community
3 — A Comprehensive Online Resource Library
To provide a hub of on-demand access to curated materials, training, and learning tools
Our Commitment
Through the generosity of the Lilly Endowment and the collaborative work of dioceses across the ACNA, we are committed to strengthening the financial health of our clergy so they can serve with freedom, joy, and long‑term stability. This initiative is not simply about dollars—it is about pastoral flourishing, healthy families, and sustainable ministry for generations to come.
Clergy Support Fund
- Provides dioceses with matching dollars to accelerate the growth of long‑term clergy care funds
- Ensures clergy have access to emergency assistance, counseling support, sabbatical resources, and other forms of care
- Builds a culture of proactive financial health
This fund is designed to help dioceses move from reactive, crisis‑based support to a stable, enduring system of care. Over time, the goal is for every diocese to maintain a robust, locally governed fund that can meet the evolving needs of its clergy.
Clergy Cohort Training Program
- Multi‑month online cohorts open to all ACNA clergy
- Financial literacy training (budgeting, compensation, retirement, tax considerations)
- Mentoring from trained facilitators
- Peer community where clergy can discuss vulnerable financial topics without fear or stigma
Financial stress is one of the most significant—and often hidden—pressures clergy face. The Clergy Cohort Training Program provides a safe, supportive environment where clergy can grow in financial wisdom, confidence, and community.
Online Resource Library
To support clergy across the province, we are building a growing collection of practical, accessible financial tools tailored to the needs of pastors and ministry leaders. Examples include:
- Sample Housing Allowance Worksheet
- Financial Training Modules (i.e. Accounting for Clergy)
- Compensation and Benefits Guides
- Budget Templates for Clergy Households and Congregations
- Recommended Reading and Courses (Stewardship, Generosity, Financial Health)
“When our Bishop visited our parish, he asked about any outstanding bills from our health crisis. I informed him of the remaining bill hanging over our heads. He shared that the diocese had a new funding possibility through the Lilly Foundation. We applied, and the bill was covered! What a weight it took off our shoulders! We are grateful for the Clergy Support Fund. Thanks be to God.”
Anonymous Clergy Family
Anglican Church in North America
About Us
The Lily Grant Team is dedicated to strengthening clergy for sustainable ministry in the Anglican Church in North America.
Bishop Alan Hawkins, Program Director
Canon Bill Mugford, Financial Coaching Director
Michael Ellison, Online Resource Director