Ecumenical Christian Ministries’ Ministry of the Hearth Capital Campaign just got a big boost.

This week the organization was awarded a $119,000 grant from the Tulsa-based J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. With the grant, ECM needs to raise about $200,000 to meet its $830,000 campaign goal.

“It’s as though we’ve been running a marathon and now we can see the finish line,” said campaign co-chair John Wilson.

ECM began its campaign last fall, and the money raised will be used for improvements to its 50-year-old building at 1204 Oread Ave., including kitchen upgrades, energy efficient system installation, and improvements to the student housing cooperative at the site.

Thad Holcombe, ECM campus minister, said the strong support from the community has been surprising.

“We started at a low point with the recession,” Holcombe said. “I think it’s a real vote of confidence.”

Holcombe said ECM has a year to raise the remaining funds, and plans are under way for community and campus fundraisers.