Marianist Sharing Fund
The Marianist Province of the United States has established the Marianist Sharing Fund which is designed to use a portion of the Province’s financial resources to support the development of programs promoting social, structural and systemic change. Social and political institutions set the context for individual and group behavior and are meant to provide the resources individuals need to survive. How people act and live is shaped in large part by the social structures in which they find themselves. Social justice is, in part, a matter of ensuring that these structures and institutions do in fact satisfy basic human needs. Systemic change is comprehensive. It recognizes that a fundamental change in one aspect of a system requires fundamental changes in other aspects in order for it to be successful. It implies an understanding of interrelationships and interconnections.
Proposed projects connected with Marianists (professed religious or lay) will be given high priority. There are three categories. Category I - Projects which promote structural, institutional, or ecclesial change. This category would include creative ways of developing and promoting social justice and advocacy in and around Marianist communities and ministries. Grants in category I are up to $15,000. Category II - Projects which are primarily service or educationally-oriented with an objective of social change. Grants in category II are up to $5,000. Category III – Grant for organizations not necessarily Marianist-connected but which have an impact on social issues in which we also have an interest. Grants in category III are up to $1,000. We DO NOT consider International grant proposals for projects other than those directly connected to the Marianists.
Category I
The general guidelines
1) The proposed project should promote social, structural and systemic change (social, environmental or ecclesial context).
2) Project has documented connection (preferred but not necessary) with the Marianist Family(community, institution or individual). Documentation should include level of involvement and reason for recommendation.
3) There should be other documented sources of funding for the project. Matching funds are highly desirable. The matching funds should be "NEW" money leveraged by the Sharing Fund Grant. Any proposals for two years or beyond are required to have matching funds.
4) There is evidence of sustainability if the proposed project is ongoing.
5) The organization receiving and responsible for the grant must be tax exempt.
6) The grant request should not exceed $15,000
7) Preference will be given to new projects.
Some examples, not predictors, of the kinds of projects considered – community organizing, economic development, anti racism, or environmental policy.
Some, not exclusive, examples of projects not considered – Immersion programs, tuition/fees, equipment, endowments, or capital campaigns.
Category II
The general guidelines
1) The proposed project is primarily service, formation or educationally oriented with an objective of social change.
2) Project has documented connection with the Marianist Family(community, institution or individual). Documentation should include level of involvement and reason for recommendation.
3) There should be other sources of funding for the project. Requests for second or third year funding are required to have "NEW" matching funds leveraged by the grant from the Marianist Sharing Fund.
4) There is evidence of sustainability if the proposed project is ongoing.
5) The organization receiving and responsible for the grant must be tax exempt.
6) The grant request should not exceed $5,000
Some examples, not predictors, of the kinds of projects considered: educational or staff development programs to promote increased awareness of injustice, affordable housing, and new immersion programs which involve social analysis.
Some, not exclusive, examples of projects not considered – supplies for food pantries and health clinics, or salaries.
Category III
The general guidelines
1) Grants for organizations which are not necessarily Marianist Family-connected (community, institution or individual). Applicant organization should address an issue of Social Justice by education, advocacy or direct service.
2) There should be a demonstrated financial need.
3) The organization receiving and responsible for the grant must be tax exempt.
4) The grant request should not exceed $1000
Important Note: Each project proposal must be submitted for either Category I, II, or III.
All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2009. Awardees will be notified during February 2010. If at all possible we request that you complete the application form on-line. Those who do not have access to a computer can request an application form by contacting:
Marianist Sharing Fund
4425 West Pine Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108-2301
Refer any questions to either Mr. Myles McCabe at 314-533-1207 ext 235 (mmccabe@sm-usa.org) OR Sr. Mary Beth Hefti at 314-533-1207 ext 230 (mbhefti@sm-usa.org)
