Bement/Waterfield Educational Grants help young people who are active in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts to pursue their educational goals after secondary school. Grants may be used at accredited training and technical institutions as well as for undergraduate study at 2 and 4 year accredited colleges. These awards represent an investment by the Church in its young people. The goal of the Committee is to provide some support to as many of the applicants as possible. The average award at this time is $1200 to $3000.
Grant History
The Bement/Waterfield Grants are made possible in part by income from a generous bequest by the late Miss Mary Bement many years ago. In 1998, William S. Waterfield, Jr. left a bequest to the Diocese to provide additional funds for educational grants. Mr. Waterfield was a lifelong member of St. John’s Parish in Worcester. When the original St. John’s Church was razed to make way for interstate highway construction in 1962, he created the design for the current structure incorporating significant architectural features of the original church.
Continuing education grants for workshops or academic courses are available to members of parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. Grants may be given up to $1000. It is expected that 1/3 of total cost will be paid by the Parish, 1/3 by the applicant and 1/3 considered for Diocesan Continuing Education Grant.
This program provides a modest scholarship grant to children of parochial clergy and clergy financially supported by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts thereby removing them from competition with classmates from their parish who would be applying for Bement-Waterfield Education Grants. Other clergy family children who do not qualify for a grant under the program’s eligibility requirements may apply for a Bement/Waterfield Education Grant.
What would your congregation do with $10,000? What ministry dream might come to life?
The Diocese of Western Massachusetts has budgeted $70,000 in 2025 to grant for projects falling within the criteria from any of our congregations or diocesan-sponsored ministries beyond the congregation.
Applications are due no later than March 15, 2025. A second round will take place only if funds are available.
Ms. Lynda Lemanis (St. Mark’s, East Longmeadow/St. Andrew’s, Longmeadow)
Mr. Sandy Muspratt (Grace Church, Amherst)
The Rev. Mary Rosendale (St. Stephen’s, Westborough)
Mr. Al Symonds (St. Stephen’s, Pittsfield)
The Rev. Meredyth Ward (Urban Missioner for Worcester)
The Rev. Beth Washburn (St. Stephen’s, Westborough)
Parish Website Matching Grant
Are you improving your parish website? Hiring professionals or doing the build in-house? We will match you dollar for dollar up to $500 dollars. Please send your request for reimbursement with copies of your receipts to Kim Foster.
