1. Proposals must benefit religious programs in the parishes, missions, and ministries of the Diocese of Marquette.
2. Diocesan programs themselves are not eligible for funding; however, diocesan-wide initiatives that support faith formation—such as efforts to equip people to share their faith, expenses related to the Eucharistic Congress, and other causes important to the Bishop that strengthen parish and mission life within the Diocese of Marquette—are encouraged.
3. Faith Formation grants should still focus on proposals that promote a deepened understanding and a reinvigorated belief in the Eucharist, as well as on proposals that encourage evangelization and growth within the Church.
4. Faith Formation grants will also continue to focus on forming people to share their faith with others through evangelization efforts that reflect our bishop’s vision for the formation of Spirit-filled Evangelizers in three steps: 1) Be a friend of Jesus: Personal encounter and prayer; 2) Make a friend: Building a community of love and forming welcoming parishes; 3) Introduce your friend to Jesus: Sharing Jesus with others and helping them make a personal decision to follow him in faith.
5. It is expected that all parishes, Catholic schools and organizations receiving Legacy of Faith grant funds will adhere to all applicable directives and precautionary measures at the time the grant-funded program occurs.
6. Funding decisions are based on the potential of the program or project to provide quality Catholic faith formation offerings. Applications that build upon successful past programs or that present new ideas for expansion or long-range impact are encouraged.
7. Grants are not intended to cover the full cost of the program/project. A minimum of 25% local funding by the parish, school or group is required; however, if this guideline presents a financial hardship, an explanation must accompany the request in order to be considered.
8. For requests to assist participants with costs associated with their participation in trips, retreats and pilgrimages, a maximum of $50 per participant may be awarded.
9. Items typically not funded: food and beverages served at events.
10. Requests that impact people or locations not previously receiving LOF funding, and requests serving under-resourced regions of the Diocese, will be given priority consideration.
11. Completed applications received on or before the published grant deadline will be considered.
12. The Bishop/Diocesan Administrator has the ultimate authority in approving all grants.
13. Grants that are awarded may be declined or returned by the applicant without negative consequences to future grant requests. It is helpful to LOF to have this done as early as possible in the fiscal year, so that the funds might be re-granted to another entity within the same grant cycle.
14. Approval of a Legacy of Faith grant should precede incurred expenditures related to the grant project. Legacy of Faith grants are intended to improve and enhance programs and should not be awarded as reimbursement for expenses that have already been incurred.
15. Acceptance of a grant constitutes agreement to:
§ Acknowledge Legacy of Faith as a funding source on all communications and publications regarding the funded program.
§ Abide by terms and conditions of the grant.
§ Submit a completed annual evaluation report to the diocese. The evaluation will be used to assess the effectiveness of the grant program and guide future funding decisions.
16. Grant checks will be payable to a Catholic entity, which will assume all fiscal responsibility for the grant funds. Collaborative programs, including Diocesan-wide initiatives, must designate one entity to receive payment. Grants will be paid when evaluation requirements for prior Legacy of Faith grants received by the grantee are met.
17. Any unused grant funds remaining at the end of the grant period must be returned to Legacy of Faith.
18. All grant funds must be expended during the specified grant period. Requests for grant extensions beyond the grant period may be considered in extenuating circumstances. Requests should be directed to the Legacy of Faith Office in writing.
For assistance with preparing a grant request, please contact:
Megan O'Connor, Executive Director
Department of Stewardship & Development
(906) 379-5057 l moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org