CCHD collection is weekend of Nov. 22-23
Organizations within the Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois that work with poor and low-income people to help eliminate the root causes of poverty are eligible to apply for financial support through the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD).
"The Catholic Campaign for Human Development represents, in a very real way, the Catholic Church living out the Gospel in action and solidarity with the poor," said Sister Jane Boos, SSND, diocesan director for the CCHD. "Good self-help projects can help eliminate the causes of poverty for individuals. We encourage organizations that provide this kind of assistance to apply for funding through the CCHD."
Since its founding by the Catholic bishops of the United States in 1970, CCHD's mission has been to work toward the elimination of poverty and injustice in this country. CCHD funds small self-help programs initiated and led by poor people. Projects create sustainable jobs, preserve affordable housing, improve neighborhoods, enhance opportunities for youth, and allow people to find a dignified way out of poverty.
In the Springfield diocese, CCHD grants have been used for programs that supported fair housing, after-school programs, families/women/children, and safe neighborhoods.
"Grantees have been as diverse as United Congregations of Metro East in Granite City, The Springfield Project in Springfield, The Learning Link at Our Place Youth Center in Vandalia and Faith Fellowship Neighborhood Group in Decatur," said Sister Jane. "They share the common goal of working in solidarity with poor people to improve their lives and access the resources that are available to them."
CCHD uses funds raised nationally in a once-a-year collection in November in Catholic parishes to fund grassroots projects all over the country.
Local CCHD grant applications are available through the diocesan Office for Social Concerns. Eligible organizations must be located in the diocese and have a 501(c)3 certificate. The project or activity for which funding is requested does not have to be Catholic, but it must conform to the moral teaching of the Catholic Church, benefit the poor, generate cooperation among diverse groups, empower the poor to help themselves, and work to bring about systemic change. The average grant is $500 to $1,500, and typically does not exceed $2,500. Grant applications must be post-marked by March 16, 2009.
Background, criteria, guidelines and instructions, as well as the local grant application are available on the Web site http://www.dio.org/forms/cchd/index.html or by e-mail at or by contacting the Office for Social Concerns, Catholic Pastoral Center, 1615 W. Washington Street, P.O. Box 3187, Springfield, IL 62708-3187; telephone (217) 698-8500, extension 167.
Contributions can also be sent to the above address at any time.