Eligibility

Who can apply? The Diocese of Erie (Departments); Catholic Parishes and Catholic Schools in the diocese.

Grants are available for funding towards religious education projects and ministry training/spiritual formation opportunities that benefit people within the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie. Projects must fit at least one of the following four categories:

  • Diocesan-wide scholarship and tuition-assistance programs
    NOTE: Applicants limited to the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Erie.
  • Religious education and faith formation projects
  • Technology and related training for parish faith formation programs and for Catholic schools
    NOTE: Two (2) bids/proposals are required when applying for technology funding.
  • Lay ministry education, training and worship formation opportunities including education toward obtaining professional ministry certifications, attending workshops, conferences, ministry formation and spiritual formation opportunities.
    NOTE: If multiple people from your organization are seeking funding to attend a ministry opportunity, please submit one application for the entire group.

Priority is given to:

  • Projects that reach a wide audience or are collaborative across parishes or schools
  • New or creative projects
  • Projects with multiple funding sources
  • Projects that are compatible with diocesan priorities

The maximum grant amount is $30,000. (excluding diocesan-wide scholarship and tuition assistance programs)

Requirements

  • Pastor, school principal/president, or diocesan department supervisor must be aware of the grant request and have given their approval by signing the project endorsement form included in the application.
  • Funds are released to the parish, school or diocese only with an executed grant agreement on file at the Foundation.

Funding Exclusions

Grant funds will not be given to:

    • Existing staff salaries
    • Emergency grants
    • Anything completed, purchased, or accomplished prior to date grants are awarded
    • Funding a multi-year degree program
    • Individual tuition assistance
    • Individuals not affiliated with a parish, school, or department of the Diocese of Erie
    • Faith Formation/ education projects not affiliated with a parish, school, or department of the Diocese of Erie

Grant Cycle

Spring 2020 Education Grant Cycle

  • Applications will be accepted February 10 through April 13 (NOTE: This deadline has been extended from the original submission deadline of March 23.)
  • Grants will be awarded May 2020
  • Grant Report Deadline - June 2021

Fall 2020 Education Grant Cycle

  • Applications will be accepted August 15 through September 26
  • Grants will be awarded November 2020
  • Grant Report Deadline - December 2021

Spring Cycle Education Grant applications now being accepted through April 13.

Online Application Info Grant Application Login