The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a program of The Episcopal Church (TEC) for the mission of the whole Church, founded by and administered by women since 1889.  The UTO Committee is entrusted to promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings and to distribute the UTO monies through grants.  The Committee awards and administers these grants within the framework of the policies and procedures of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS) of The Episcopal Church.

Bishops within TEC and/or the Anglican Communion, or groups within dioceses having the bishop’s approval, may submit grant requests according to the number invited by the Committee.  The diocesan bishop’s signature is required.  Grants in provinces outside TEC require provincial endorsement.  Application packets containing request forms, instructions, policy statement and UTO Committee roster are available through diocesan offices of TEC or overseas provincial offices.

The application also will be available on our web site from October 2008 through January 2009.  January 31, 2009 is the last possible postmark, fax or hand delivery date for submitting an application.  If procedures for submitting applications on line are developed by October 2008, this information will be included in the cover letter included with the mailing of applications to bishop’s offices, and the information will be on the UTO website.  From January through April the contact person for the applying organization is expected to respond to research questions or requests for additional documentation from the UTO Committee Provincial Representatives and Members-at-Large, as well as Diocesan UTO Coordinators and Church Center staff members.

The Committee considers the Budget Priorities adopted by the 75th General Convention, including the Millennium Development Goals.  Visit www.globalgood.org.  Also see www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/budget2006_final_ENG.pdf for page 2 of the budget.  The focus is on projects that are significant in nature and that address poverty of women and children.  In addition we acknowledge the priority need for Theological Education for the Anglican Communion (TEAC) as identified by the Primates.  Visit www.anglicancommunion.org/teac.  Please see the 2009 UTO Grant Criteria.

Grant award decisions will be recommended by the UTO Committee in April, and final approval will come by vote of delegates to the Triennial Meeting in July 2009.  Bishops and grantees will be notified, and funds then will be available August 2009 through August 2010 for expenses incurred in that time period.  Any modification to the project and any time extension beyond this date must be approved by the UTO Committee.  The Committee is not empowered to make changes outside the original intent of the grant award.