The Parish/School Emergency Aid Fund was established through the Archbishop’s Call to Share to assist parishes and/or schools who may experience an unplanned/unbudgeted expense.  The distributions of grants are recommended by the Clergy Advisory Committee (CAC) with approval by the Archbishop.  Since the inception of this fund, more than $1.2 million has been awarded to help allay unexpected, urgent expenses.

Criteria for Evaluation of the Emergency Aid Requests

Although all recommendations for grants are approved or not approved by the Archbishop, the following issues will be considered when reviewing applications and making recommendations for grants of emergency aid funds: 

  • Emergency is defined as “situation that occurs beyond the control of the parish or school”
    • Is the situation a result of “deferred” or “delayed” maintenance?
      • Deferred maintenance items generally do not qualify as emergency situations, but in some instances the request may be granted.
      • Determine whether delayed maintenance will prove to be an emergency latter.
  • Financial resources – review of parish/school finances with CFO
    • Has the parish considered applying for a loan from the archdiocese to offset the unexpected expense?
    • Has a special appeal been made to the parishioners for the funds for the repair?
    • Are funds available in savings?
  • Capital improvement/repair estimates
    • The estimates and invoices are subject to review with the archdiocesan real estate and construction office.
    • Have the appropriate number of bids been obtained per the archdiocesan handbook?
  • General Criteria
    • Determine parish/viability as indicated by the Regional Pastoral Plans.
    • Determine the frequency of the requests.
    • Awards may be allocated between grants and loans.
Criteria for Evaluation of the Emergency Aid Requests (Read First!)

Application for Parish/School Emergency Aid