The grants will be awarded through a structured application process to organizations and projects that demonstrate a focus on changing and improving the conditions of low-income people in the Springfield diocese. Grantees will be held accountable for the funds they receive through routine reporting and they must maintain a diocesan or Catholic parish affiliation.

Most grants will be awarded in the $1,000 to $5,000 range. DCJH will not fund organizations that engage in activities that conflict with Catholic teaching on human life and dignity, that promote abortion or euthanasia, undermine the family or tolerate racism or unjust discrimination.

Funds for DCJH grants are raised through an annual parish collection conducted the weekend before Thanksgiving. Like all Catholic ministries, the Diocesan Campaign for Justice and Hope reaches out to the broader community, helping people seeking to overcome poverty without regard to their race, ethnicity or religion.

More information and/or applications are available by calling the Office for Social Concerns and Respect for Life at (217) 698-8500, ext. 167 or email at .