CCHD Economic Development Grant Program

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops administers the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Economic Development Program to support community-led economic initiatives. The program is guided by the principles of Catholic social teaching, particularly the promotion of human dignity, family life, and solidarity. The purpose of the program is to empower low-income people by supporting the creation and operation of economic development institutions that generate income and assets for disadvantaged communities. This program also seeks to promote alternative economic models that balance individual and community ownership in ways that advance equity and justice. Applicants to the program must demonstrate commitment to the two central goals: empowering low-income individuals through direct involvement in the creation and management of economic initiatives, and fostering the development of alternative economic structures that provide equitable access to resources and opportunities. Eligible organizations must not engage in activities that contradict Catholic moral teachings, such as promoting abortion, same-sex marriage, capital punishment, euthanasia, or punitive immigration policies. Organizations must instead reflect a mission that aligns with the U.S. bishops’ priorities of defending life and dignity, strengthening families, and embracing diversity. The scope of funding includes both operating and developmental costs. Allowable uses include salaries, staff training, board development, technical assistance, start-up financing, and operating expenses for real estate development projects. Funds may not be used for direct capital expenditures like equipment, vehicles, or the purchase of real estate. Additionally, projects must involve strong leadership representation from low-income individuals, with at least one-third of governing boards composed of members from poverty-affected groups and at least half of beneficiaries being low-income. Applicants must present a comprehensive plan that includes community needs assessments, multi-year strategies, financial sustainability planning, and board leadership development. Matching funds are required and must equal or exceed the amount requested from CCHD. Applicants must also document expected outcomes such as the creation of at least ten new jobs paying a living wage or asset ownership opportunities for more than ten individuals or families. Institutions must be structured to ensure sustainability and independence, and applications must demonstrate the organizational capacity, community support, and partnerships necessary for success. Organizations structured solely for direct services, such as job training or financial literacy programs without an institutional development component, are not eligible. Applications are evaluated based on how well they align with CCHD’s four stated priorities: advancing scalable economic models, fostering collaboration across diverse communities, linking economic development with community organizing, and implementing monitoring and information systems to improve accountability and learning. Applicants are also expected to participate in CCHD’s educational and promotional initiatives. Programs in underserved or distressed communities, such as rural or reservation areas, may receive special consideration. No specific application dates, deadlines, or award amounts are published within the provided program criteria. Applicants should be prepared to provide detailed institutional development plans, evidence of matching resources, and a demonstration of meaningful participation by low-income stakeholders. No designated contact person, email, or phone number is listed in the provided information, and applicants will need to consult the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops or their diocesan CCHD director for application procedures and submission deadlines.

Applicants should show capacity for job creation, asset ownership, organizational sustainability, collaboration, community organizing, and accountability systems.