Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund
About the Fund | Established 2009
The Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund was established by Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt in December 2009 to enable the diocese to support better the efforts of local organizations in the Diocese of Greensburg that completely accept and promote the mission of the Catholic Church in their care for the poor and needy. Bishop Brandt’s promulgation document designated the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg to be responsible for oversight of the Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund and the distribution of funds.
Grant proposals will be reviewed twice each year by: June 20 and December 20. Requests for funding are accepted at any time during the year, but must be received by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on May 1 for June funding or November 1 for December funding. Organizations may apply annually.
When submitting a request be specific regarding the nature of the request and the amount requested. Please note the committee does not approve multiple year funding or general operating grants. The amount being requested should not exceed $10,000 and be at least $750.
Upon the receipt of a grant proposal, the Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund Grant Committee will review the grant for adherence to the enclosed guidelines and format, as well as the criteria for the organization (as listed below). Qualified grant applications will be reviewed and award decisions made according to the date of the application. The committee will not review a list of projects and select one that is appealing. Each grant proposal should address only one project.
Learn more, review the outline, view and print the application.
Fund Criteria
1. Must be a 501(c) (3) organization and must be registered with the PA Bureau of Charitable Organizations, if applicable or must be a parish organization (with approval of the pastor), a diocesan Catholic school (with the approval of chairman of the board of trust administrators [pastors] and the trust administrator [superintendent]), or a national Catholic organization functioning within the diocese (with the approval of the diocesan moderator).
2. Must be geographically located in the Diocese of Greensburg.
3. Must address (one or all of the following conditions).
4. Long or short term conditions that contribute to poverty and suffering.
5. Help for those who endeavor to help themselves.
6. Alleviation of poverty.
7. The provision of human services that address any of the above conditions.
8. Must be consistent with the ethical, religious, moral beliefs, tenets, and teachings of the Catholic Church.
9. Must not promote, in any way, activities that violate the dignity of the human person.
10. Must not be a Federal, State or Local governmental entity, agency, organization, or authority.
If a grant is awarded to this organization, the proceeds of that grant will not be distributed to or used to benefit any other program or organization other than the applicant.
Questions should be directed to: Judy Modecki or Bob McHenry at 724-837-1840.
Submit Proposals to:
The Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund Committee
c/o Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg
711 E. Pittsburgh Street
Greensburg, PA 15601-2636