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Mission And Ministry Application Process

2024 Application Process

The Mission and Ministry Fund provides critical resources to schools, diocesan programs and outreach ministries in the Diocese of Lexington.  Many recipients operate churches and programs in some of the poorest counties in the nation and would not survive without this support. The Mission and Ministry Fund is comprised of the proceeds from the Diocesan Annual Appeal; the Mission Network Program where speakers from our diocese make appeals for support in other dioceses across the United States;  the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Home Missions; significant support from Catholic Extension; and a portion of the Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to assist with outreach efforts throughout the diocese to combat poverty.

The Mission and Ministry grant process is administered by the Development Office in the Diocese of Lexington. The diocesan Mission Advisory Panel, composed of representatives from each of the diocesan deaneries, reviews requests and makes funding recommendations.  The Bishop reviews these recommendations for approval and award notifications are sent after that.

Please read carefully

The Mission Advisory Panel has made adjustments to facilitate a simplified application and provide opportunities for personal engagement between the applicants and the Panel.  If you have any questions, please contact Sara Spellman at (859) 253-1993 ext.1051 or sspellman@cdlex.org

  • There is now only ONE application for all organizations.  It is important that you, as the representative of your local organization, provide a thorough portrait of your organization and its needs.
  • Please pay special attention to the two narrative portions where you are asked to detail a) how the organization will use the funds requested and b) the summary of your organization’s mission and purpose.  Please include all information you feel is pertinent for the Panel to discern your request.
  • Finalists may be asked to present their case to the Mission Advisory Panel on April 28, 2022.  A schedule of presentations will be compiled and issued by the Development Office.  Each finalist will be given 5-10 minutes to state your organization’s case, followed by a few minutes for questions by the panel. You may make your presentation in person, by video conference or by phone.  (The Development Office is available if you are interested in getting assistance on how to make a successful presentation.)
  • In 2020, we changed our discernment process significantly to place applications into two categories, “must-fund” and “discern.”  The Development Office, in consultation with the Finance Office and Bishop, determines which applications are deemed “must-fund.”  Those are set aside for funding, allowing the Panel to discern the remaining requests.  Your organization will be informed if you request is deemed “must-fund” or “discern.”  It is possible that your request encompasses both designations.

2024 Funding Timeline

January 16, 2024 – Application link is available.

February 16, 2024 – Application submissions are DUE.  No applications will be accepted after this date.

April 28, 2024 – Mission Advisory Panel will meet to discuss applications.  Finalists will be asked to present their request for funding.  Applicants will be informed of their scheduled presentation time.

May 2024 – The Mission Panel’s recommendations for approval will be reviewed by the Bishop.

June 1, 2024 – Award notifications will be sent.

August 2024 – First quarterly installment will be sent to funded organizations.