Ministry Outside the Parish (M.O.P.)

Apply for an M.O.P. Grant

What is M.O.P.?

Ministry Outside the Parish (MOP) provides small grants to organizations that work for the public good outside the parish.

It evolved from discussions after the devastating fire that nearly burned down St. Paul’s in January of 1976.  As we rebuilt in 1978, we chose to do so without restoring our elaborate stained glass windows.  Instead, we would allocate the money saved to other organizations for the support of “Christian purposes outside of St. Paul’s."  After that money was exhausted, we chose to continue the program by setting aside about 10% of the prior year’s pledges.   

Who is Eligible to Receive M.O.P. Funds?

Organizations that support Christian purposes outside our church.  Recent grants have funded projects for after-school programs, public health work, disaster relief, and social justice to organizations in Boston and around the world like these (provide link to page with information as shown below)

How do I Apply for an M.O.P. Grant?

Fill out an application as shown here or the button above. Please include a cover letter from a member of the congregation in support of your grant.  Criteria we consider in evaluating applications:

  • Purpose of the organization is consistent with our broad objectives

  • Purpose that the funds will support is clearly stated

  • Award will be impactful for the recipient organization

  • Award engages St. Paul’s members through direct involvement or through occasional reports or presentations

  • Application includes a cover letter from a St. Paul’s member and financial information including its budget for the past year.

When Are Applications Due for 2026?

Round One: Application Due, May 10; Award notification, June 15.                               

Round Two: Application Due, September 13; Award notification, October 31. 


Organizations we helped in 2025 

MOP funds programs that are local, national, and international including the ones listed below.  

St. Stephen’s Youth Program / Boston  https://www.ssypboston.org/

Literations / Metropolitan Boston  https://www.literations.org/

Steps to Success / Brookline  https://www.stepstosuccessbrookline.org/

Colage / United States  www.colage.org

Prison Book Program / United States  https://prisonbookprogram.org/

The Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre /Gaza  https://www.basma-centre.org/

St. Andrew’s Refugee Services / Northeast Africa  https://www.stars-egypt.org/

Casa Cruzeio / https://www.casacruzeiro.org/english1

How Can I Get Involved with M.O.P.?

Become a member of the committee by attending two of our meetings.  Participate in discussions and let us know what’s important to you.  As a member, you will be asked to 

  • evaluate the applications prior to our evaluation meetings

  • review one or two of those applications in more detail as we meet. 

  • Assist in arranging related parish-wide activities as needed

  • Serve as M.O.P Committee Chair or assist  to organize upcoming meetings, administer proposals and grants, and post reports from grant recipients. 

 WHO CAN I CONTACT TO LEARN MORE?  Send your questions to: MOP@stpaulsbrookline.org.