Outreach

Episcopal-supported outreach programs – both diocesan and national – are a way for us to give back to the community or specific groups in need. The organizations and entities we partner with help others with financial and personal support.

Dandridge Trust

The Dandridge Trust is the main outreach of the diocese. This fund supports seniors and those in need, facilitates accessibility, and funds general outreach programs in the diocese and beyond.

Since its founding in 1986, the Dandridge Trust has made grants totaling in excess of $2.9 million. The Trust has a long and interesting history in the diocese. It continues its good work of balancing annual funding with preservation of an asset which will continue into the future.

Trust Assets

The Dandridge Trust is an unrestricted fund with the bulk of its over $3 million in assets held at the Episcopal Endowment Corporation. For more detailed information about the investments, please contact the Financial Administrator of the Diocese, Susan Abington.

Dandridge Trust Board

  • The Rev’d Michael Whitnah (2024), St. Paul’s Church, Murfressboro
  • Sam Bessey (2024), Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville
  • The Rev’d Brian McVey, (2025), Church of the Advent, Nashville
  • Dr. Agatha Nolen (2025), St. George’s Church, Nashville
  • The Rev’d Charlie McClain (2026), St. Matthew’s Church, McMinnville
  • Heather Wills (2026), St. Bartholomew’s Church, Nashville
  • Tamra Smith (2026) Church of the Redeemer, Shelbyville

2024 Dandridge Grant Applications

The Trust accepts grant requests each fall for funding in the following year. It’s the custom of the Advisory Board to set aside some funds to be available during the year. Grant request forms may be submitted at any time and will go before the Trust Board outside of the regular funding cycle.

The 2024 Dandridge Trust application period will open August 15, 2023 and close on September 30, 2023. Any questions regarding your application can be emailed to Susan Abington, or mailed to:

The Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee
3700 Woodmont Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37215

Episcopal Relief & Development

Episcopal Relief & Development is the compassionate response of The Episcopal Church to human suffering in the world.

Hearing God’s call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being, Episcopal Relief & Development serves to bring the generosity of Episcopalians and others to meet the needs of the world.

Learn More

Committee Members

  • Paul Deepan (2024), St. Paul’s Church, Nashville