What EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF OHIO does

The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio is a private non-profit religious organization founded in 1816 and operating as a constituent diocese of The Episcopal Church within the worldwide Anglican Communion. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the diocese serves approximately 80 Episcopal congregations across Ohio, providing canonical oversight, shared resources, clergy deployment, and formation programming. Its operational scope is broad, spanning governance through the annual Diocesan Convention, leadership development via the College for Congregational Development (a two-year training program), ministry support through offices covering stewardship, communications, innovation, and human resources, and direct outreach via its wholly-owned subsidiary Bellwether Farm—a camp and conference center focused on sustainable farming, youth programs, and environmental education.

The diocese operates on a multi-stream non-profit revenue model combining parish assessments (annual dues from congregations), donations and offerings (including the Bishop's Annual Appeal), event and program fees (conventions, camps, retreats), and grants. Its technology stack is standard for non-profit institutions: the dohio.org website with online donation capabilities, Blackbaud for donor and financial data management, PayPal and Blackbaud Merchant Services for payment processing (PCI-DSS compliant), Constant Contact for email newsletters, Eventbrite for event registration, Zoom for virtual meetings, and Google Analytics for web analytics. The diocese employs approximately 32 staff including a Bishop, multiple Canons, Missioners, and operational personnel. Following major 2023-2024 staff transitions that retired over 120 years of institutional knowledge, the organization has undergone significant restructuring under new Bishop Anne B. Jolly, including the addition of a Canon for Innovation and Congregational Development and the launch of new programs.

Name

EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF OHIO

Legal name

The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio

Website

https://dohio.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1816

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio is a non-profit religious organization serving 80 Episcopal congregations across Ohio with canonical oversight, formation programs, leadership development, and camp and conference operations through its Bellwether Farm subsidiary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Organization Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Denominational & Ecclesiastical Governance Bodies (Dioceses, Synods, Conferences) (BPAGAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues) (BPAGAJAA), Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL), Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Religious organization services
• Congregational development
• Clergy training programs
• Youth ministry camps
• Diocesan governance

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Diocesan Assessments: Parishes pay annual assessments based on size and revenue to support diocesan operations. Compliance with canonical deadlines required for voting privileges at Convention.
2. Donations and Offerings: Online giving through the Stewardship & Development office, Bishop's Annual Appeal, and designated gifts to parishes or the diocese.
3. Event and Program Fees: Registration fees for conventions, conferences, Bellwether Farm retreats and camps, and educational programs.
4. Third-party Payment Processing: Uses Blackbaud for data management and Blackbaud Merchant Services/PayPal for payment processing. PCI-DSS compliant payment infrastructure.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio serves as the governing body and support structure for 80 Episcopal congregations across Ohio, providing canonical oversight, clergy deployment, leadership development, and shared resources. The diocese operates Bellwether Farm, a camp and conference center offering summer camps, retreats, and formation programs, and delivers the College for Congregational Development, a two-year training program for clergy and lay leaders. Core offerings include stewardship and development services, Safe Church training, youth ministry programs, and the annual Diocesan Convention for governance.

Product overview

The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio is a religious organization within The Episcopal Church that serves 80 parishes across Ohio. The organization offers a portfolio of programs and services including Bellwether Farm (a camp and conference center focused on sustainable farming and environmental education), the annual Diocesan Convention for governance and legislative purposes, the College for Congregational Development (a two-year training program for clergy and lay leaders), stewardship and development services for charitable giving, a resource center with materials for parishes, Safe Church training programs, youth ministry programs, and Church Life Magazine as a diocesan publication. Online giving is facilitated through integrations with Blackbaud and PayPal payment processors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bellwether Farm: A camp and conference center operated by the diocese featuring sustainable farming, youth programs, and environmental education.

Products and services

• Bellwether Farm Diocesan camp and conference center focused on sustainable farming, youth camps, retreats, and environmental education. Offers summer camp programs, vestry retreats, artistic pursuits, farm-to-table experiences, and volunteer opportunities for children, youth, and adults.
• Diocesan Convention Annual legislative gathering of the Diocese for electing officials, approving budgets, and considering resolutions. The 210th Annual Convention is scheduled for November 20-21, 2026 at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron, OH.
• College for Congregational Development Comprehensive two-year training program that equips clergy and lay leaders with tools for leadership, organizational development, and congregational development to build faithful, healthy, effective, and sustainable congregations.
• Stewardship & Development Services Resources for charitable giving including the Bishop's Annual Appeal, planned giving options, and online donation capabilities through Blackbaud and PayPal integration.
• Diocesan Resource Center Library of online resources and materials available to parishes including grantseeker resources, parish resources, and the Rev. Beth Frank Library at Bellwether Farm.
• Safe Church Program Diocesan training program required every five years for clergy, elected/appointed officials, licensed ministers, and Diocesan staff on anti-racism and related topics.
• Youth Ministry Programs Diocesan youth events including Diocesan Youth Event (DYE), Episcopal Youth Event (EYE), Middle School Pilgrimage, and provincial youth gatherings.
• Church Life Magazine Diocesan magazine published seasonally featuring news, stories, and updates from across the Diocese of Ohio.
• Online Giving Platform Online donation system allowing designation of gifts to parishes or the Diocese, integrated with Blackbaud and PayPal payment processors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 84% of congregations stayed the same or increased in average Sunday attendance in 2022
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• St. Luke's Episcopal Church, KalamazoominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2026Host venue for the Big Provincial Gathering (BPG) 2026 along with First Presbyterian Church and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Portage.
• Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers (ECCC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2023ECCC conducted an in-depth audit of Bellwether Farm operations to assess current state and provide recommendations for growth and improvement. The partnership aims to help Bellwether reach its potential as a premier camp and conference center.
• Anglican Diocese of BelizecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 July 2018Companion diocese relationship. Ohio and Belize join together in mission trips and pilgrimages. Two camp counselors from Belize participated in the Bishop's Bike Ride.
• Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2018Collaborative stewardship and generosity workshop with nationally recognized expert Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith. First collaborative event between the Diocese and Synod.
• BlackbaudcoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party data management and donor/payee record system. Privacy & Security Policy governs data handling for parishioner and donor information.
• PayPalcoreTechnology or IntegrationThird-party payment processor integrated for online donations and purchases. Adheres to PCI-DSS standards for secure payment handling.
• The Episcopal ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Diocese of Ohio is part of The Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. Participates in General Convention, House of Bishops meetings, and broader church initiatives.
• Province V of The Episcopal ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe diocese participates in Province V gatherings including the Big Provincial Gathering and Provincial Youth Event in Kalamazoo, MI.
• Ohio Council of ChurchesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiocesan participation in ecumenical council working with other Christian denominations in Ohio for shared ministry.
• The Episcopal Peace FellowshipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiocesan participation in peace and justice ministry network through Episcopal Peace Fellowship resources and programs.
• Episcopal Diocese of JerusalemminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnection through the wider Anglican Communion. Diocese supports Alhi Arab Hospital in Gaza through Episcopal Relief & Development Middle East Fund.
• Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiocese sends representatives to GEMN conferences for global mission education and relationship building.
• Hathaway Brown SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for Celebration of Bishops and Staff event on campus in Shaker Heights.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Episcopal Diocese of Michigan: Industrial Midwest Episcopal diocese of similar scale serving a comparable number of congregations with similar urban-anchor parish composition. Most direct U.S. peer in size and demographic context.
• Episcopal Diocese of Washington: Mid-Atlantic Episcopal diocese with directly comparable governance structures, parish networks, and formation programs within The Episcopal Church.
• Episcopal Diocese of New York: Largest Episcopal diocese in the U.S., governing parishes across the New York region with analogous diocesan structures, conventions, assessments, and formation programs. Directly comparable governance model and ministry portfolio.
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Northeastern Ohio Synod: ELCA regional governing body serving Northeast Ohio with directly comparable function (parish oversight, bishop leadership, stewardship campaigns). The Diocese of Ohio partnered with this Synod for a collaborative generosity workshop, signaling direct operational comparability.
• Episcopal Diocese of Virginia: Mid-Atlantic Episcopal diocese operating parish networks, diocesan conventions, and formation programs. Directly comparable as a regional governance body within The Episcopal Church.
• Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts: Northeast Episcopal diocese with analogous parish network, annual convention, formation programs, and stewardship operations. Directly comparable diocesan governance body.
• Episcopal Diocese of California: West Coast Episcopal diocese operating parish networks with analogous diocesan structures, camp/retreat facilities, and formation programs. Comparable governance and ministry model.
• Episcopal Diocese of Chicago: Midwest Episcopal diocese with comparable urban-anchor governance model and parish support structure. Similar scale and operating geography dynamics to Ohio.

Regional players

• Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland: Regional peer operating in the same Cleveland/Northeast Ohio geography with a comparable Catholic diocesan governance structure, parishes, schools, and Catholic Charities. Comparable regional religious governance footprint.
• Anglican Diocese of Toronto: Canadian Anglican diocese within the same worldwide Anglican Communion as the Diocese of Ohio. Operates analogous diocesan governance, parishes, and formation programs but in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubevimeo.com/user51118340
• Facebookfacebook.com/dohio
• Instagraminstagram.com/edohio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/episcopal-diocese-of-ohio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF OHIO