CCHD Community Development Grant Program

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD), a program of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), administers the Community Development Grant Program to advance its mission rooted in the Gospel, specifically the call of Jesus Christ to bring good news to the poor, release to captives, healing to the afflicted, and freedom for the oppressed. The program provides support to organizations that work to empower people living in poverty, enabling them to participate actively in changing systems and policies that affect their lives. Through this work, CCHD seeks to promote structural transformation and institutional change that addresses the root causes of poverty, consistent with the moral and social teachings of the Catholic Church. The grant program has established clear policies to ensure alignment with the mission of the USCCB. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or proof of application to the IRS, with final funding contingent upon receipt of an IRS exemption determination letter prior to the deadline. Additionally, CCHD enforces a six-year funding limit. Organizations that have received a Community Development grant for six years, continuous or intermittent, since 1997 must wait three years before reapplying. This cycle repeats after each six-year period of funding followed by the required interval. Applicants are encouraged to verify their eligibility with a CCHD grant specialist before applying. Eligibility is closely tied to the involvement of low-income communities. At least half of the beneficiaries of funded efforts must be people living in poverty. Moreover, the governing structures of the applicant organization must reflect genuine leadership by low-income individuals. At least 50 percent of the board should be composed of involuntarily low-income members, with additional weight given to organizations that demonstrate democratic structures, leadership development, and authentic participation by those experiencing poverty. Priests and religious serving in low-income communities may count toward this measure, but an organization made up primarily of clergy would not satisfy this requirement. Funding is intended to support initiatives that promote long-term institutional change. This includes efforts to modify unjust laws and policies, to establish participatory and equitable social structures, and to expand decision-making power to those living in poverty. CCHD looks for organizations that prioritize leadership development and build financial sustainability through strategies such as membership dues, grassroots fundraising, or other diversified sources. Organizations that merely provide direct service programs such as daycare centers, clinical services, or refugee resettlement are not eligible. Similarly, organizations promoting activities contrary to Catholic teaching, such as abortion or same-sex marriage, are excluded. Applications are evaluated according to both criteria and guidelines established by CCHD. Positive consideration is given to organizations that measure participation using HUD’s definitions of very low-income or low-income households, with preference for the stricter very low-income standard. Organizations that address economic or social injustices, such as racial discrimination or long-term unemployment, are also prioritized. Additionally, CCHD encourages collaborations with dioceses, parishes, Catholic schools, and ministries, as well as fostering cooperation across diverse groups to build inclusive communities. Proposals that directly benefit a large number of people and demonstrate broad systemic impact are rated more highly. Certain entities are ineligible, including organizations exempt under tax code sections other than 501(c)(3), governmental bodies, individually owned businesses, and those engaging in partisan political activity. Grants cannot be used for re-granting, surveys, or feasibility studies. Eligible applicants are those who empower low-income communities, demonstrate democratic participation, and align with the Catholic Church’s teaching on human dignity and family life. While the program’s website emphasizes the importance of contacting diocesan directors and CCHD staff for guidance, specific submission deadlines, award amounts, and contact names or emails are not included in the publicly available policy document. Applicants are expected to consult directly with CCHD for timelines and detailed application procedures.

Align activities with CCHD’s mission and verify eligibility with regional Grant Specialist.