Catholic Campaign for Human Development / Catholic Relief Services
Economic Development Grants to End the Cycle of Poverty
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the domestic anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops and works to break the cycle of poverty by helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities. CCHD offers a hand up, not a hand out.
CCHD offers economic development grants to businesses that are just starting or are in their early years. A qualifying business could receive $25,000 - $75,000 each year for up to 3 years. Each grant application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Grant Application Deadline: November 1
You may qualify if:
- Your business does not participate in or promote activities contrary to Catholic moral and social teaching and is not affiliated with organizations that do so.
- Your business is a stand-alone entity.
- At least 50% of the workforce is low income.
- The business is ‘worker led’ meaning low-income persons have a strong voice in the leadership and strategic direction of the organization which can be accomplished through the Board of Directors containing 1/3 low income individuals.
- You have dollar for dollar matching funds.
- You have strong partner organizations.
- Your business provides a living wage to its employees.
- Your business is not owned by or controlled by government, educational or ecclesial (Church) entities.
- Your business is not a direct service provider (e.g., job training facilities, food banks, pregnancy centers, etc.)
- Applicant organizations do not need to be Catholic.
For more information, go to: http://www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/grants/economic-development-grants-program/economic-criteria-and-guidelines.cfm
To learn more about the 5 types of economic development initiatives, go to: http://www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/grants/economic-development-grants-program/current-economic-development-program-categories.cfm
To apply, complete the pre-application at: http://www.usccb.org/about/catholic-campaign-for-human-development/grants/economic-development-grants-program/index.cfm
For specific questions, please call 602.354.2125.
