Active Transportation Microgrants 2024

The Catholic Foundation of Michigan's grant program is designed to inspire charitable giving and support Catholic parishes, schools, and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation's core mission is to assist donors in investing in the future of these entities by providing grants that align with Catholic teachings and serve communities primarily in Michigan. The program seeks to empower organizations whose values and behaviors are consistent with Catholic principles, ensuring that funded projects contribute to the broader goals of the Catholic faith community. The grant program targets a wide range of beneficiaries within the Catholic sphere, including Archdiocesan, religious, or parish-sponsored nonprofit organizations, local nonprofit organizations adhering to Catholic Social Teaching, and various Catholic educational and formation initiatives. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the Catholic community in Michigan by addressing vital social service needs, fostering vibrant parish life, and enhancing Catholic education and spiritual development across all ages. The program aims to create a strong, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals to encounter Christ and grow in their faith. The Foundation focuses its grants on three major areas: Empowering Social Outreach, Building Vibrant Parish Life, and Fostering Catholic Education and Formation. In social outreach, the priority is to respond to essential social service needs such as food, shelter, and medicine, leveraging both internal and external organizations aligned with Catholic Social Teaching. For vibrant parish life, the focus is on creating welcoming Catholic parishes, supporting resource development for community outreach, and encouraging training and new staff positions. In Catholic education and formation, priorities include supporting innovative faith formation, fostering high-quality ministries for various age groups, improving access to parochial schools, and promoting leadership development. The expected outcomes of the grant program are multifaceted, aiming for tangible improvements in the communities served. Measurable results could include increased access to social services for vulnerable populations, enhanced participation and engagement in parish activities, and improved quality and accessibility of Catholic educational and spiritual development programs. The Foundation's strategic priorities are rooted in the Gospel call to serve others, the importance of the parish as a faith community's home, and the value of lifelong Catholic education and formation. This theory of change suggests that by investing in these key areas, the Foundation can contribute to a more robust, compassionate, and spiritually enriched Catholic presence throughout Michigan.