How the Seeds of Parishioner Generosity Sprouted a Transformative Movement

By Eric Conner, All Angels Foundation President

How can we further support our church? That’s the question a small group of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church parishioners asked in 1953. A question that reflects the vision of Saint Michael and All Angels: “a vibrant community of committed disciples impacting the church and the world.”

The answer would sow the seeds of generosity and discipleship that would eventually grow into the All Angels Foundation (AAF), a vehicle through which we bring the light and love of Saint Michael to the world.

 

PLANTING THE SEED

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed: “it is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs.”

This parable teaches us that small actions can have a profound impact. When we unite our collective efforts, we can bring about transformative change.

The All Angels Foundation is like a mustard seed, sown from humble beginnings when the answer to the question asked by the parishioners over 70 years ago led to the establishment of the Saint Michael and All Angels Foundation of Dallas to support the construction of Saint Michael’s main sanctuary and educational building.

Their donations sparked a movement: turning good intentions into “acts of love” that impact lives inside and outside the parish. The foundation began using these parishioner gifts to assist the church in improving its facilities, developing ministries, and broadening community outreach.

 

SOWING THE SEED

From the beginning, the seed of AAF has been nurtured by a 15-member board of trustees, along with essential support from clergy and staff.

The organization has learned to adapt and evolve over the years to best serve its mission and purpose. In 1970, the foundation redefined its focus to help more people in need by expanding the church’s charitable outreach both inside and outside the parish walls.

In response to increasing parishioner engagement and to support this quest for greater intentionality, the foundation’s name was changed to All Angels Foundation in 2021.

This change further professionalized our structure, streamlined our grants process, and clarified our short- and long-term strategic goals, while synthesizing our purpose of walking alongside Saint Michael to transform lives within and beyond the parish. 

AAF continues to uphold its founding legacy by serving as an engine that moves in the same direction as Saint Michael, channeling parishioner contributions into parish and social initiatives that create a meaningful and lasting impact.

From the young voice that rings out in the church sanctuary for the first time, to the family enjoying a hot meal and shelter, to the student who opens a new computer for remote learning, the foundation’s thoughtful investments heal, empower, and elevate people and communities throughout North Texas and beyond.

 

NURTURING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

The All Angels Foundation has supported programs that ensure future generations will inherit a stronger parish and a more caring community. Each partnership honors our commitment to spread Christ’s love to those in need.

At St. Philip’s School, we’re fostering educational excellence and spiritual growth. Through Housing Forward and Elevate North Texas, we’re turning homelessness into hope. Together with Advocates for Community Transformation, we’re realizing a vision of neighborhood renewal.

Within Saint Michael, AAF has made significant contributions to the music ministry, campus development, leadership and clergy development, worship enhancement, and parish initiatives, including Project Moses and the Farmers Market.

The All Angels Foundation remains a standing invitation for parishioners to turn their faith into action. When you support the foundation’s efforts, you join a transformative legacy that has grown from a small seed into a powerful force for good.

To learn more about the All Angels Foundation or to get involved, visit allangelsfoundation.org.

ALL ANGELS FOUNDATION VALUES

INSPIRED

We are driven by Jesus’ call to love our neighbors as ourselves. We never lose sight of why we’re doing this work and in whose name we’re doing it.

 

INTENTIONAL

We are an active force for good, eagerly opening our arms and hearts to the community to drive meaningful change.

 

INTEGRITY

We are governed by seasoned business professionals committed to collaborative, transparent, and impactful stewardship of our resources.

 

**This article was written by Eric Conner and was featured in the 2025–26 Winter Archangel.

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