The Bishop's Company

A community of dedicated supporters partnering with Bishop Bell, empowering her to respond with compassion and strategic insight to emerging needs within the diocese and beyond.

Join the Bishop's Company

The Bishop’s Company is a community of committed members who provide financial resources to support the bishop in responding compassionately and strategically to emerging needs within the diocese and beyond. Its primary purpose is to enable timely assistance for diocesan leaders and others in need, reflecting the Church’s identity as a caring and connected family of faith.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
— 1 Peter 4:10

About Bishop’s Company

Through the Bishop’s Company Endowment Fund, members contribute generously to help meet extraordinary and specific needs, supporting fellow siblings in Christ both locally and globally. Rooted in a long history dating back to 1951, the Bishop’s Company continues to grow through annual membership and community-building events, fostering a shared commitment to generosity, service, and the wider mission of the Church.

Legacy of Generous Giving
Through the Bishop’s Company Endowment Fund, members have a longstanding tradition of generous giving that enables meaningful, timely support for diocesan leaders and ministries.

Supporting Strategic Priorities

Contributions enable the diocese to invest in clergy formation, youth ministries, social justice initiatives, new mission opportunities, and essential support services for parishes.

Building Long-Term Sustainability

Regular, sustained giving provides the financial foundation needed to plan effectively, respond to emerging needs, and maintain consistent support for parishes and ministries.

Fostering Shared Responsibility

The Bishop’s Company invites all members of the diocesan community to participate in stewardship, recognizing that our collective resources enable collective mission.

Creating Community Connection

Members become part of a network of supporters who share updates, gather for fellowship, and stay informed about the diocese’s work and impact.

How Contributions Are Used

The Bishop’s Company provides the Bishop of Niagara with discretionary funding to respond to the urgent and emerging needs of our diocesan leaders and their families discreetly and efficiently. As part of our shared commitment to dignity, compassion, and pastoral care, we honour the privacy of those receiving support and do not share specific details. The Bishop’s Company can and has offered support in the following ways:

Unexpected Financial Hardship

Major financial hardships are often sudden and unexpected. The overall goal of the Bishop’s Company is to provide relief in these times of crisis.

Compassionate Care During Times of Loss

The loss of a loved one can put unexpected financial pressures on the bereaved. The Bishop’s Company has provided support to diocesan leaders experiencing a loss through assistance with travel costs, funeral arrangements, and caregiving needs.

Urgent Medical and Dental Expenses

Complex, sudden and chronic medical expenses can be crippling. The Bishop’s Company has often provided support to leaders and their families during these times of deep stress and worry.

Extended & Long-Term Support

The Bishop’s Company has also provided assistance to those who require accessibility support, extended counselling, and/or mental health support.

Beyond Niagara

Occasionally, the Bishop’s Company also provides support for urgent and extraordinary appeals to support our Anglican siblings beyond the diocese.

Financial Transparency

All Bishop’s Company contributions directly support ministry programs. Administrative costs are covered separately through parish assessments and other revenue. Members receive regular financial reports and updates on how contributions are being used.

Regular Giving

Annual membership covers contribution to an endowment fund making the funds readily available for Bishop Susan to act in urgent situations

Staying Informed

Members receive quarterly newsletters with updates from the Bishop and impact reports.

Community Connection

Members are invited to occasional gatherings, events, and opportunities for fellowship.

Financial Transparency
All Bishop’s Company contributions directly support ministry programs. Administrative costs are covered separately through parish assessments and other revenue. Members receive regular financial reports and updates on how contributions are being used.

Membership Benefits

While membership in The Bishop’s Company is an act of stewardship rather than for personal benefit, members do receive:

Priority invitations to Bishop’s Company events and gatherings

Complimentary ticket and premium seating at the annual dinner (optional participation)

Recognition at the annual dinner (names shared with permission only)

Communications from Bishop Bell, including the annual dinner address highlighting the impact of contributions

Special prayer card

Charitable tax receipts for all donations. In accordance with CRA guidelines, the eligible amount for a receipt is the donation minus the fair market value of any benefit received (e.g., the cost of dinner).