Archdiocese of New York Pastoral Grants Program
Frequently Asked Questions
There will be two Grant Cycles in Fiscal Year 2026, in addition to two transportation grants for the 2026 March for Life and the 2026 New York Catholic Youth Day.
Eligibility
Q: Who is eligible to apply for a Pastoral Grant?
Only parishes are eligible to apply. Schools are not eligible. However, parishes may apply for funding of pastoral ministry programs that benefit their parish-based elementary schools.
Q: Can a parish apply for funding for more than one project in a single grant cycle?
Yes. A parish may submit multiple applications for different projects. Each application will be reviewed independently.
Q: Can a parish receive funding for the same ministry project more than once?
Yes, a program may receive funding for two consecutive years. After that, the program must wait one full year before reapplying.
Q: Can multiple parishes collaborate on a single project?
Yes, collaboration is encouraged. One parish must serve as the lead applicant and submit a single application on behalf of all participating parishes. Please indicate that the program is a collaborative effort in your application.
- Q: Can Deaneries apply for shared pastoral ministry funding? Yes, deaneries may submit a joint application for collaborative pastoral ministry efforts. All deanery applications must be submitted by the Dean.
- Q: Are there any special requirements for programming? Individuals involved in youth programming must be Safe Environment compliant; background checks submitted, and Safer Spaces training taken and registered.
Funding & Budget
Q: What is the maximum grant amount per project?
The maximum grant is $35,000 per project.
Q: Can we apply for funding to support an existing program?
Yes, if the proposal is for an expansion of an existing program that includes innovative elements or reaches new audiences. The grant program is primarily intended to fund new pastoral initiatives.
Q: Can grant funds be used to replace items already in our parish budget?
No. Grant funds cannot be used to cover existing budget commitments, including those for Faith Formation programs or any other previously funded initiatives.
Q: Are these grants loans that need to be repaid?
No, they are true grants and do not need to be repaid. However, funds must be used according to the approved proposal and timeline. Misuse of funds may result in repayment and/or disqualification from future funding.
Application Process & Reporting
Q: Can a parish submit responses to the grant application questions in Spanish?
No. The grant application responses must submitted in English.
Q: Where can I access the budget form?
The budget form is linked in the application. Click the link, make a copy, complete your program budget, and upload it using the “Add File” button. The form is also available on the home page of www.sharinggodsgifts.org.
Q: Can I get a copy of the application form in Word to draft my responses?
You may draft your responses in Word, but all final answers must be submitted via the online application form.
Q: How will I know if my parish has been awarded a grant?
Awarding dates and announcements are listed under the Application and Timeline section of the program’s homepage.
Q: What happens if we don’t submit required reports?
Failure to submit required reports will result in ineligibility for future funding.
Q: Is there any other paperwork required for the application? Applications require the submission of a signed consent form from the pastor referencing the specific pastoral ministry program.
Support & Resources
Q: Where can I get help designing a program or learning from what other parishes are doing?
Contact the Pastoral Ministry Coordinator responsible for your area of interest. Their contact information is on the homepage of the program website.
Q: Is there a list of preferred vendors for program supplies?
There is no central vendor list, but both Pastoral Ministry Coordinators and Institute for Commodity Services (ICS) are excellent resources.
Q: Who can I contact about transportation vendors that meet Archdiocesan insurance requirements?
Contact ICS at 646-794-2600 or submit a request at: https://nyics.org/contact-us-1
Q: Where can I get help completing the application, the budget form and the required reports?
Contact the Pastoral Ministry Coordinator responsible for your area of interest or your CASA Representative for reporting support. Your Parish AD can help you with any budgetary questions.
Allowable & Non-Allowable Expenses
Q: Can we use grant funds to pay salaries or stipends?
No. Funds may not be used for employee salaries or benefits. However, stipends are permitted and may be paid to staff members for specific projects. The parish is responsible for providing 1099 tax forms for any stipends paid.
Q: Can we use grant funds for technology?
Yes, if the technology is essential to the proposed program. Unrelated technology purchases are not permitted.
Q: Can grant funds be used for food and beverages?
Yes, but costs for food and beverage must not exceed 10% of the total grant request. Food and beverage expenses must be listed as a separate line item on the submitted grant budget.
Q: Can funds be used for capital projects, maintenance, or renovations?
No. Grant funds cannot be used for construction, renovations, or general maintenance.
Q: Can funds be used for overnight trips or transportation?
No, overnight trips are not currently eligible for funding.
Q: Can funds be given as gifts or used for crowdfunding purposes?
No. Grant funds cannot be given as personal gifts or redirected through platforms like GoFundMe.
Q: Can grant funds be used for political or lobbying activities?
No. Political campaigns, lobbying efforts, or any partisan activity are strictly prohibited.
Q: Can funds be used to pay off debt, repay loans, or invest in financial products?
No. The grant cannot be used to repay parish debt, establish endowments, or invest in financial assets.