Father Victor J. Lovett is remembered at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church for two things: his love of ice cream sundaes and the endowment fund he created to help those in need in Benzie County. Each fall and spring, the Father Lovett Foundation awards grants to organizations for charitable and educational programs that promote the welfare, well-being, and betterment of Benzie County residents. Grants may be made to missions sponsored by the church, or to other organizations that operate in Benzie County.

Father Lovett was ordained as a priest at St. Philip’s in May 1978 and served as Deacon and Associate Priest until 1993.  In 1983, he and other parishioners established the Father Lovett Foundation to serve Benzie County’s educational and charitable needs and contribute to parish life. The Fund is administered by St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Applications to the Father Lovett Foundation are accepted from individuals and groups twice a year, on April 1 and October 1. The amount available for grants varies from year to year. Grants for specific projects and purposes may be awarded in any amount up to $4,000. A match is not required. Grant applications are reviewed by a committee of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church members and approved by the church’s vestry (the church’s elected administrative body). Awards are typically made within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline.

Father Lovett grants cannot be used to engage in or fund any activity that personally benefits any member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church; that is political in nature; or that supports any campaign of a candidate for public office.

If you wish to apply for a grant, please access the grant application HERE, and submit the application along with other supporting documents to the address on the application.