Ministry Associations Grant Program

 

Guidelines and Goal

Supporting Those Who Equip Others for Ministry

Ministry Associations and Affinity Groups play a vital role in the life of our local Church by supporting, connecting, and equipping those who serve in ministry across our parishes.

To strengthen this important work, grants of up to $2,000 are available to support initiatives carried out by these groups. Grants are intended to develop lay pastoral leadership and promote the growth of lay ecclesial ministry in the Catholic Church.

Purpose of the Grant

  • Strengthen the formation, support, or professional development of ministry leaders
  • Provide resources, gatherings, or tools that help those serving in ministry grow in effectiveness
  • Foster collaboration and shared learning among those serving in similar ministries
  • Encourage innovation in equipping ministers to serve their communities well in today’s context.

Possible Uses of Grant Funds

  • Training workshops, leadership days, or retreats
  • Development of formation materials or ministry resources
  • Speaker honorariums or facilitation costs
  • Collaborative gatherings that support those serving in ministry
  • Technology or tools that assist associations in equipping ministry leaders

Application Overview

  • The initiative or project being proposed
  • How it will support those serving in ministry
  • The anticipated impact for ministry leaders or participants
  • A simple budget outlining how funds will be used

Reporting

Grant recipients will be asked to provide a brief summary after the project describing how the funds supported ministry leaders and any insights that could benefit other associations.

Grant Program Details

Use of Grant Funds

Grants (which can range from $250-$2,000) can be used for costs associated with enhancing existing ministry associations. They may pay for trainings, program materials, books, advertising, hospitality, etc.

Grant Cycle Schedule

Invitations will be accepted once per year.

  • Applications open in March and will be due Friday April, 17. Notifications will be made in late April.

Examples of Ministry Associations

  • Coalition of Ministry Associations
  • Association of Coordinators and Religious Educators (ACRE)
  • Association of Liturgical Ministers (ALM)
  • Association of Parish Business Administrators (APBA)
  • Association of Pastoral Ministers (APM)
  • Catholic Communicators
  • Office Ministry Association (OMA)
  • RCIA Network
  • Youth Ministers’ Network
  • Mental Health and Well Being Coalition

Questions?

Please email Grants Program Officer, Bella Eckert.