Bement-Waterfield Educational Grants

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.

Applicants should download the documents below and return the necessary forms to:
   Bement/Waterfield Educational Grants Committee
   Diocese of Western Massachusetts
   37 Chestnut St
   Springfield, MA  01103-1787

Deadline for 2008 applications has passed.

Bement-Waterfield History (PDF document)
Bement-Waterfield FAQ's (PDF)
Bement-Waterfield Guidelines for Completing Application Form (PDF)
Application Form (PDF)
Clergy Reference Form (PDF)
Lay Reference Form (PDF)

Clergy Children Educational Program

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.

Clergy Children Educational Program Description
Application for Clergy Children Educational Grant

Clergy Study Leave

Research has demonstrated that study leaves provide an opportunity for growth and health for both the priest and the congregation. The priest may garner or develop new ideas and directions and may return refreshed with deeper commitment to the parish. Thus, study leaves for clergy are essential to the development of healthy, mission-focused congregations. Study leaves for clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts are available.

Funding Process for Clergy Study Leave (Sabbatical)

The initial request for Diocesan funds for a sabbatical must be made before the end of January of the year preceding the year in which the sabbatical will be taken. The Budget and Financial Planning Committee will budget sufficient funds so that up to $2500 is available for each sabbatical. They begin the budget process very early in the year.

Six to eight months before the sabbatical begins, complete the “Application for Grant for Study Leave”, available from the office of the Canon to the Ordinary.

Our auditors allow funds to be dispersed in one of two ways:

In advance of the sabbatical the Diocese can send funds to a vendor (pay a conference registration, buy plane tickets, pay a hotel. The request for such funding must be accompanied by documentation such as a brochure for the seminar or a statement from a travel agency.

The Diocese can reimburse expenses to the priest only after the seminar has been attended or the travel completed. To avoid carrying expenses on your credit card, check with the Canon’s office before booking travel.

Cancelled checks are not sufficient documentation. You must provide receipts.

It is expected that the three months of sabbatical is taken all at one time. A program spread out over two or three years is continuing education, not a sabbatical. While it provides the educational component of a sabbatical, it does not provide the refreshment and new perspective of a sabbatical.

Clergy Study Leave Policy
Clergy Study Leave Evaluation Questionnaire
Grant for Study Leave Application

Continuing Education Grants

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 $500. 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.

Continuing Education Request for Workshop or Academic Course Approval
Continuing Education Evaluation Questionnaire