Archdiocese of New York Pastoral Grants Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Q: Who is eligible to apply for a Pastoral Grant?
Only parishes are eligible to apply. Schools are not eligible. Deaneries may submit a joint application for collaborative pastoral ministry efforts.
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.
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.
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
Allowable & Non-Allowable Expenses
Q: Can we use grant funds to pay salaries or stipends?
No. Funds may not be used for employee salaries, benefits, or stipends for current staff. However, stipends may be paid to outside guest speakers or independent program coordinators.
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 5% of the total grant request.
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. Transportation may be allowable if directly tied to the program and meets insurance requirements. Contact ICS (646-794-2600) for approved providers.
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.