Pope Francis Fund - Invitation to Apply

The Pope Francis Fund
Invitation to Apply
January 2020

 
Background
Created by Pope Francis in 2016, the World Day for the Poor was connected to the end of the liturgical year to draw the attention to our "preferential option for the poor." 
 
Inspired by the Holy Father's call to serve those who are under-privileged and lacking in basic human needs, Bishop Fabbro announced the Pope Francis Fund on Nov. 17, 2019, the Third World Day of the Poor.  The initial investment in the Fund was one million dollars. 

In his Letter to the Faithful, which is available at https://dol.ca/pope-francis-fund, Bishop Fabbro writes,  
How to Apply
Registered Canadian charities interested in applying for a grant from the Pope Francis Fund are invited to carefully review the fund criteria, which follow. 
 
An applicant organization must submit a request for an application form, including the following information:

• The name of your organization
• Your address
• A brief description of how you propose to use the grant and how it meets the Fund's criteria 
• Amount requested
• Name of contact person along with phone number and email address

 
This information must be submitted in writing to the Diocese of London, attention of the Senior Leadership Team, at 1070 Waterloo Street, London, Ontario, N6A 3Y2.  Eligible applicants will receive an application form upon approval of their request.
 
Grant applications must be submitted between January 1 and February 28 of each year, starting in 2020.  (As this is a leap year, the deadline will be Feb. 29, 2020.) 
 

The Pope Francis Fund
Criteria to be Considered for Qualification
November 2019

Administration of the Fund
This is an endowment fund for which the capital and purchasing power is to be preserved. The Fund shall follow the Payout Policy of the Diocese of London. The initial investment in the Fund was one million dollars and was made possible when the Diocese sold lands adjacent to St. Peter’s Seminary.
 
Criteria and Approval Process

1. Only organizations, including parishes, will be considered. Individuals will not be considered.
2. Only organizations which have charitable status or not-for-profit status and which are located in Canada, and conduct their activities in Canada, will be considered. Preference will be given to organizations within the Diocese of London.
3. Requests from Catholic entities must be submitted by the Bishop of the diocese from which they originate or must be accompanied by a letter from the Bishop, except for parishes of the Diocese of London. Requests from Religious communities or congregations must be accompanied with a letter from the Major Superior.
4. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how they will use the grant given to assist those lacking in food, medicine, housing, education and other basic human needs.
5. In addition, applicants must demonstrate that their organization, and the use of any monies granted, will be consistent with Catholic values and teachings on morals.
6. The Pope Francis Fund will not fund entire projects or initiatives. Organizations must demonstrate that the Pope Francis Fund is not the sole or major funder.
7. Funding in the current year does not guarantee funding in future years.
8. Applications for funding must be submitted between January 1^st and February 28^th of each year, starting in 2020. Funds will be awarded by the end of March each year, starting in 2020.
9. Any recipient of funds must submit a written report by December 31^st of the year the grant was given, showing how the monies were spent.
10. Funding applications will be reviewed by the Diocese of London Senior Leadership Team with the Bishop of London having the final decision.
11. Amount of funds granted at any given time will depend on the number of requests and the funds available.
12. The funds will not be used for the following:
    • Buildings belonging to the Diocese of London;
    • Assisting parishes in debt; or
    • Any payments connected to sexual abuse claims (i.e., settlements, legal fees, counselling).