The Clergy Family Initiative (CFI) began in 2016 when it received a three-year, $1,000,000 Grant from the Lilly Endowment. Known as the National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders, this Grant enabled the CFI to create research-based programming to raise awareness in our Archdiocese regarding the unique challenges that our Clergy and their families face. The Lilly Endowment, and our own research from 2017-2020, recognizes that the economic challenges pastoral leaders face is a major impediment to ministerial excellence.

In 2022, a second Lilly Endowment Grant was made possible by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. This Grant allowed for Financial Literacy education for Clergy and their families, need-based financial Grants (Ministerial Excellence Grants) and Covid Relief Grants. The CFI has provided educational programs at the Parish, Priestly, and National levels. New programs are being created to address and support Clergy and Clergy Family financial, physical, emotional, and social Well-being.

The Endowment Fund of the CFI, part of the Archdiocese Benefits Committee (ABC), is committed to establishing a community of support throughout the Archdiocese and its philanthropic ministries. With diverse representation from Hierarchs, Clergy, Presvyteres, and lay leaders, the ABC will administer the Endowment Fund. Giving to the CFI Endowment Fund is an opportunity to express our thankfulness to our Clergy: past, present and future. May God bless you for your support!

Donations can be made online or checks may be sent to:

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
8 East 79th St.
New York, NY 10075

Made Payable To: "Greek Orthodox Archdiocese"
Memo: "Clergy Family Initiative"

Visit the Clergy Family Initiative page to learn more.