Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry Fund
Since 1851, Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ have continually ministered to those in need, responding to many calls of ministry in the spirit of our foundress, St. Katharina Kasper. In our continuing desire to meet the challenges of a changing world in need of both charity and justice, we are called to use congregational resources wisely in an effort to address specific needs of the poor, the oppressed and those deprived of their rightful place in society.
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry Fund was established in order to provide resources to enable Poor Handmaids to support services in economically disadvantaged areas. Earnings generated from the fund are utilized to support ministries or projects that meet the established criteria after all other resources have been explored.
CRITERIA
The ministry/project submitted for a Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry Fund grant must further the mission and values of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ as outlined below and fit the following criteria:
Mission of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
Empowered by the same Spirit, we women religious commit ourselves to:
- respect and value each person we serve in our diverse ministries
- stand with he poor and powerless in the search for justice
- use our talents and resources in response to the emerging needs of Church and society
- share ministry and nurture leadership in our efforts to bring peace to the world.
Core values of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ
- openness to the Spirit
- community
- simplicity
- dignity and respect for all
Funds are provided for organizations addressing
- service with the economically poor and underserved
- ministry that changes oppressive structures
- ministry that focuses on development and enablement of persons
Funds are not provided for:
- purchases of equipment, land, buildings or construction
- administrative costs or salaries
The grant proposal needs to be accompanied by a recommendation from a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Sister or Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Associate attesting to the work of the applicant’s organization.
Grants do not exceed $15,000.
Grants are awarded for a one-year term only. An organization must wait three (3) years after the last grant award before reapplying to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry Fund.
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION
Grant proposals are submitted quarterly. Submission deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 of each year. Digital submission is the preference of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Finance Committee to ministryfund@poorhandmaids.org.
Paper applications are sent to:
Province Treasurer
P.O. Box 1
Donaldson, IN 46513
PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Finance Committee evaluates all proposals according to the established criteria and in the order in which they arrive.
Recommendations from the Finance Committee are presented to Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Provincial Leadership for final approval.
The Provincial Treasurer notifies the submitting organization in a timely manner as to the disposition of the proposal.
Provincial Leadership informs members of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Chrst Congregation of the distribution of funds and the furthering of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ’s mission and vision.
Evaluation & Accountability
At the end of a 12-month period after receiving a grant, the recipient must submit a written evaluation to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Provincial
Leadership based on the goals/objectives expressed in the proposal. Failure to submit
a written evaluation will result in nonfunding of any future grant applications from the organization.
Note: The amount of subsidy to any proposal is dependent upon the funds available, the number of requests for subsidy and the need of the applicant as determined by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Finance Committee with the approval of Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Provincial Leadership.
Financial statements and/or budgets of the applying organization should be available upon request.