Grants and Sponsorships

St. Matthew’s sponsors various organizations and groups who are making God’s love and passsion for justice real in our world. Our Social Ministries Group awards grants and the Vestry also includes community partners in our mission budgeting process.

  • River Park School Partnership

    River Park Elementary is a short walk from the rectory through St. Matthew's churchyard. Over the years, St. Matthews has lent their support for various initiatives including a backpack drive and holiday gifts for students and teachers.

  • Dickerson Chapel AME

    In 2006, Dickson Chapel AME, our neighboring African- American congregation, and St. Matthew’s began an intentional partnership. Over the years, we have shared worshipped together and we hope, after covid, to begin again.

  • St. Matthew's Scholarship- Durham Tech

    St. Matthew’s supports a student scholarship through Durham Tech Community College. Growing out of a local Poverty Initiative, it has helped students complete nursing degrees, acquire childcare, and take classes to complete degrees.

  • Festival for the Society Tree (FEST)

    FeST is our annual holiday fund-raiser held in early December, with all proceeds going to support local non profits. Baked goods, craft boxes, holiday wreaths and roping all are part of the fun.

  • Habitat for Humanity

    St. Matthew’s has a long standing commitment to Habitat for Humanity and has recently participated in two “faith” builds with other churches in the Fairview Community. We plan to continue these faith partnerships to build affordable housing.

  • Iglesia El Buen Pastor

    St. Matthew’s continues a long standing financial commitment to Iglesia El Buen Pastor, an Episcopal mission in East Durham. Funds are allocated annually in our budget.

  • Alamance/Orange Prison Ministry

    St. Matthew’s participates in this ecumenical ministry to support the work of the chaplain in our local prison. We offer financial support. We also participate in an annual pecan sale fundraiser and have supported sock and toiletry drives.

  • Orange Congregations in Mission

    Orange Congregations in Ministry works to meet the emergency needs of people through a food pantry, thrift shop, and financial assistance. St. Matthew’s provides regular financial support, hosts a monthly beef stew collection for the pantry, and every February, sponsors a “Fill the Bag” campaign.

  • Orange County Schools

    St. Matthew’s supports the Orange County public schools through annual contributions to a general fund to support students in need. This has been used to purchase back packs, school supplies, and help students in crisis.

  • Orange County Meals on Wheels

    St. Matthew’s supports Meals on Wheels,a local organization that delivers a hot, balanced meal every Monday-Friday to older adults, homebound adults, adults with disabilities, and those convalescing.

  • Justice United

    St. Matthew’s is a member of Justice United, a group dedicated to developing and empowering leaders to work towards just communities. Member organizations work together to determine and then work towards local initiatives.

  • Compass Center

    St. Matthew’s supports Compass Center, an organization that provides career and financial education, domestic violence crisis and prevention programs, assistance with legal resources, and youth health programs.