Give Unto Others
Grace is a community that understands generosity.
Grace is a community of God’s generous love and grace in Chicago and beyond. Just as we are grateful of all we have received, we give generously in return and keep the blessings going.
“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Proverbs 18:16
Give To Grace
Grace relies on the generosity of its members, visitors, and friends to fund our mission and ministries in Chicago and beyond. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and make a positive difference. You can donate one time, or you can set up a weekly or monthly donation using our online platform Vanco.
Each year the congregation is invited to pledge the amount they intend to contribute during the upcoming year. This advance commitment allows for budgeting and planning our year to ensure all financial obligations will be met.
Grace Gives
Straut Legacy Fund
Grace Episcopal Church and our members are the hands and feet of Christ, living our faith out loud. We are committed, individually and collectively, to serving as change agents that allow others to experience God’s love through action.
Since 2022, the Straut Legacy Fund has been an important part of this commitment.
Grace member Elizabeth Ann Straut established a trust in 1898 and included the parish as one of the beneficiaries. Mrs. Straut’s generous and visionary gift enables Grace to offer the Straut Legacy Fund grants in her honor. These grants extend the congregation’s commitment to social justice and positive change in our neighborhood and around the world.
Because only the fund’s earnings are used, Elizabeth Straut’s gift will continue to extend Grace’s mission for generations to come.
Straut Legacy Fund Grant Application
Grace Episcopal Church is privileged to annually administer the Straut Legacy Fund grant program. Registered nonprofit organizations qualified under IRS §501(c)(3) are eligible to apply for this grant with the endorsement and signature of a member of Grace Episcopal Church. Organizations serving Chicago’s South Loop and surrounding neighborhoods will be given funding priority.
The 2026 application is now available. Applications are due on Friday, March 27.
Questions may be directed to the Rev. Andrea Billhardt, Straut Legacy Fund Committee Chair by emailing info@grace.org
2026 Recipients
Kiva Microlending
At Grace Episcopal, we fund many thriving entrepreneurs through this inspiring partner. As a congregation, we’ve loaned more than $3,000 to over 60 entrepreneurs in 32 countries from 2019 through 2025. We believe that our community goes beyond our church and our neighborhood, and by working with and Kiva Microloans, we know our faith is alive in the world.
