By Brianna Martin
Grants Program Manager
One of the great joys of our work is the annual open grant cycle, through which we are able to provide financial support to many wonderful pockets of “spiritual innovation” across the Valley. The cycle opened Feb. 3 and will conclude March 31. Applications will be accepted in four areas:
• Pastoral Ministry Training & Formation Endowment:
Enhanced through this endowment are adult faith formation programs, Small Christian Communities prayer and study groups, and JustFaith programs. Available funds: $60,700.
• Parish Outreach Endowment:
Parishes serve the community in unique ways–feeding the hungry, helping the unemployed, ministry to immigrant populations. This endowment funds grants to parishes that address a variety of community needs. Available funds: $60,700.
• Parish Stewardship Endowment:
Through enhanced stewardship efforts, the parishes and diocese will grow more fiscally sound thereby allowing greater ability to respond to need more rapidly. This endowment will fund new programs and provide training to existing staff. Available funds: $50,600.
• Apolonia Andre Fund for Liturgical Music:
Eucharist is central to Catholic life. An important aspect of worship is music. We will support the development of parish liturgical music programs, aimed at enriching parish worship life and strengthening communities around the Eucharistic celebration.
Available funds: $3,200.
Past grants include • Pastoral Ministry: Ministry Training and formation programs; Esteem – training college students to assist parishes; Pastoral ministry retreat; Hispanic leadership program; • Parish Outreach: To homebound and isolated elderly; Homeless outreach – food, medical assistance; Homework center; Gang prevention program with PACT; • Parish Stewardship: Parish council training on stewardship; Parish Soft Software upgrade; Stewardship leadership seminar.
Parishes, chancery departments and other Catholic groups are encouraged to apply, as appropriate, in these areas. All applications will be submitted online through the Foundation’s website. The Foundation will host three workshops, open to all applicants, during February and March which will explain the new online process, as well as the overall application. Dates, times and locations of these workshops will be announced soon.
Firm deadline for receipt of applications is March 31.
• For more information, visit: cfoscc.org or contact Brianna Martin: 408-995-5219 x21, Martin@cfoscc.org.