Founded in 1724, the Boston Episcopal Charitable Society is the second oldest charity in continuous operation in North America.
Our Mission
To carry on the vision and compassion of the founders and improve the lives of elderly and other deserving Episcopalians by providing supplemental financial support.
The Boston Episcopal Charitable Society was established in 1724 by a small group of Anglicans in the Province of Massachusetts Bay to improve the lives of deserving Anglicans in Boston through direct financial support. Three hundred years later, we are doing much of the same work.
Our Purpose
To provide financial resources for the clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts so they may assist needy individuals within their congregations.
In recent decades (since 2008), the Society has worked with clergy to distribute $3.7 million in grants to more than 3,400 individuals in need. Grants from the Society help individuals and families pay bills related to short-term or partial rental or mortgage assistance, emergency heat and utility payments, basic food and clothing needs, childcare expenses, prescription medicine and medical supplies.
Our Resources
Since the beginning, the Society has been a membership society that is funded by annual dues. Over the centuries, those funds have accumulated and been invested to create an endowment.
The Society operates similarly to other charitable foundations in that we typically draw 4-5% from the endowment annually to make grants and pay modest administrative expenses. We are a membership society that includes members of the Episcopal Church In Massachusetts who meet annually and pay annual dues to help cover these costs.
Governance and Oversight
The Boston Episcopal Charitable Society is an integrated auxiliary of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.
It is chaired by a diocesan bishop (or other appointed in their place) and is overseen by a board of trustees.