2026 ECF Fellowship applications now open
The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) is pleased to announce that the 2026 ECF Fellowship Partners Program applications are now open.
Since 1964, the Fellowship Partners Program has supported 245 lay and clergy leaders whose academic research and ministry initiatives have strengthened the leadership and vitality of The Episcopal Church. This program emerged in response to growing concerns about the future of theological education. It expanded in 2006 to include a ministry track that supports innovative projects strengthening local ministry and mission. Over six decades, the ECF Fellows community has become a network of scholars and ministry innovators whose work has shaped congregations, seminaries, dioceses, and institutions worldwide.
Today, the ECF Fellowship Partners Program continues to evolve into a deeply invested leadership community. We empower emerging leaders to make meaningful contributions to The Episcopal Church’s theology, formation, and witness.
Introducing a New Pilot Track for Emerging Lay Leaders
Beginning in 2026, the Episcopal Church Foundation will launch a Pilot Lay Leader Development Track to support emerging lay leaders seeking to deepen their ministries through formal training, licensure, or intensive formation programs. This pilot broadens access by removing financial barriers that often prevent lay leaders from fully pursuing their vocational development. Participants in the pilot cohort will help shape this new track as the Foundation explores how best to support lay formation across The Episcopal Church.
Here’s what you should know before applying:
- Applicants must apply to one of three fellowship tracks:
- Academic Track: For those pursuing graduate or post-graduate study. This track supports research in areas where The Episcopal Church can expand its scholarship and expertise.
- Ministry Track: For emerging ministry leaders developing innovative projects at the community or congregational level. These initiatives strengthen local leadership, expand ministry capacity, and ideally serve as adaptable models across the wider Church.
- Pilot Lay Leader Development Track: For active lay members seeking to deepen their ministries through structured training or formation. This track provides financial support and connection to a growing learning community of lay leaders.
- The Episcopal Church Foundation is committed to strengthening the Church’s leadership capacity. All applicants should describe how their work will develop new leaders and make a positive difference in their ministry environments.
- Academic and Ministry fellowships provide financial support up to $15,000 in the first year, with the possibility of renewals. Lay Leader Development fellowships will provide financial support up to $5,000. New ECF Fellows also join a vibrant network of past Fellows and Episcopal Church Foundation partners, connecting with peers and mentors across the Church.
- The application deadline is March 18, 2026, and the selected Fellows will be announced in June 2026.
The Episcopal Church Foundation is partnering with the Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) to host a webinar on December 11 at 3:00 p.m. ET featuring Episcopal Church Foundation President & CEO, Dail St. Claire; Senior Program Director, Jacob Sierra; a 2025 ECF Fellow; and an ECF Fellow alum. The conversation will explore the Fellowship Partners Program, including the three fellowship tracks available in 2026. The session will also highlight how ECF Fellows integrate academic study and ministry innovation to meet the needs of a changing Church.
For complete application details and FAQs, visit our website. For questions, contact the ECF Fellowship Partners Program at fellows@ecf.org.