ONE Wake Receives $15,000 Mission Proceeds Grant from Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina
ONE Wake (Organized Neighbors for Empowerment in Wake County), a non-partisan, multi-ethnic community organizing collective, has been awarded a $15,000 Mission Proceeds Grant Phase II from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. The grant will support ONE Wake's race reconciliation training initiatives to strengthen the organization's capacity for authentic multi-ethnic community organizing and collaborative ministry work.
Community organizing collective awarded funding to advance race reconciliation training and collaborative ministry initiatives
WAKE COUNTY, NC – September 9, 2025 – ONE Wake (Organized Neighbors for Empowerment in Wake County), a non-partisan, multi-ethnic community organizing collective, has been awarded a $15,000 Mission Proceeds Grant Phase II from the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina. The grant will support ONE Wake's race reconciliation training initiatives to strengthen the organization's capacity for authentic multi-ethnic community organizing and collaborative ministry work.
The Mission Proceeds Grant represents funding from the $8.8 million proceeds of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina's sale of its former Diocesan House. Phase II of the program targets explicitly collaborative projects and partnerships that advance the diocese's mission strategy priorities. ONE Wake will use the grant funding to provide race reconciliation training that builds the foundation necessary for effective cross-racial organizing and systemic change work.
"This grant recognition validates the power of collaborative organizing and interfaith partnership," said Stephon Whitley, ONE Wake Lead Organizer. "By investing in race reconciliation training, we're building the foundation necessary for authentic multi-ethnic organizing that can address systemic inequities affecting all our communities. This training is essential for the deep relationship-building work that makes lasting change possible."
ONE Wake, founded in 2020, is an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF), the nation's largest and oldest network of local faith and community-based organizations. The collective brings together 38 founding member organizations, including six Episcopal churches: Saint Ambrose (Raleigh), Church of the Good Shepherd (Raleigh), St. John's (Wake Forest), St. Mark's (Raleigh), St. Paul's (Cary), and Trinity (Fuquay-Varina), alongside numerous other congregations, associations, and nonprofits.
ONE Wake focuses on developing community members' skills to identify common problems, create workable solutions, and implement systemic changes that achieve the common good. The race reconciliation training will strengthen ONE Wake's ability to build authentic relationships across racial and ethnic lines, essential for effective multi-ethnic community organizing that can address root causes of inequality. Current organizing initiatives include building affordable homeownership at scale across Wake County and addressing food insecurity that affects millions of children annually.
"What we can do is band with other churches, nonprofits, people of goodwill, and work with government and corporations to create a system in which no one goes hungry," explained The Rev. Jemonde Taylor, rector at Saint Ambrose and a founding member of ONE Wake, illustrating the organization's approach to systemic solutions that require authentic cross-racial collaboration.
The Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, noted in the grant announcement that the Diocesan Council is "deeply encouraged by the faithful and creative ways you are living out the Gospel through this ministry" and believes the work "reflects the spirit of resurrection, reconciliation, and renewal that these Mission Proceeds were intended to support." The Diocese has prioritized racial justice as part of its mission strategy, with Bishop Rodman stating that the funding aims to "make a right beginning as we address and continue to reckon with our racial history."
The Diocese's decision to prioritize collaborative partnerships in Phase II funding aligns perfectly with ONE Wake's community organizing model and commitment to racial justice. The grant selection process evaluated applications based on the strength of partnership and collaboration, clarity and viability of budget, and potential community impact. The funding for race reconciliation training directly supports the diocese's ongoing journey toward "Becoming Beloved Community." It addresses the critical need for racial healing and justice work in effective community organizing.
About ONE Wake ONE Wake (Organized Neighbors for Empowerment) is a non-partisan, multi-ethnic, multi-issue community organizing collective affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation. Founded in 2020, ONE Wake brings together congregations, associations, and nonprofits across Wake County to identify shared challenges and work collectively toward systemic solutions that serve the common good. The organization emphasizes building authentic relationships across racial and ethnic lines as the foundation for effective community organizing. For more information, visit www.onewake.org.
About the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, founded in 1817, encompasses central North Carolina and serves approximately 48,000 communicants through 109 parishes. The diocese is known for its extensive grants program, distributing over $1.2 million annually to support mission and ministry work throughout the region. The diocese has prioritized racial reconciliation and justice as key components of its mission strategy and journey toward "Becoming Beloved Community."