Since its inception, the Foundation, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, has exhibited an interest in supporting women religious in their efforts with the poor and underserved members of society. There are three types of CMI grants: Planning, Implementation and Direct Service grants.

Grant Requirements
Potential applicants should review the mission and focus of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina. If there seems to be a suitable match, the applicant should complete the appropriate CMI Grant Application online.

Collaboration for Ministry Initiative (CMI) Grants

Planning Grants
One of the objectives of the Collaboration for Ministry Initiative Grants is to provide funding for women religious in order to conduct strategic planning for the future of the ministries in South Carolina. This planning could include but is not limited to leadership formation, resource development, collaborative opportunities, capacity building, succession planning and addressing new/emerging needs. CMI planning grants are awarded in amounts up to $5,000.00 for a planning period of 6-9 months.

Implementation Grants
A second objective of CMI Grants is to provide for the ongoing development of successful strategic planning efforts. Therefore, 2009 planning grant recipients who have submitted an approved final grant report documenting a viable plan for moving forward, may apply for an Implementation Grant in 2010. Implementation Grants are awarded in amounts up to $15,000.00 for a one year period.

Direct Service Grants
Additionally, in order to help support other ongoing efforts of women religious ministering to those in need, CMI will offer smaller Direct Service Grants. These grants are intended to assist ministries in providing for the basic needs of clients either directly (eg: food, clothing, etc.) or through operational enhancement (eg: computer purchase, etc.). Direct Service Grants are awarded in amounts up to $2,500.00 for a one year period.

Invited Proposals
On occasion, the Foundation may invite a proposal for development of a ministry initiative with potential for systemic impact in keeping with CMI vision and goals.

Grant Eligibility and Limitations
Eligible applicants must meet the following basic requirements:

• The programs and services of the applicant organization are consistent with the Foundation's   mission and values.

•  The project must involve a congregation of women religious.  

• The applicant is a tax-exempt, non-profit entity or listed in The Official Catholic Directory.  

• The beneficiary of the grant is geographically located in South Carolina.

• The Foundation normally does not fund the following unless the project demonstrates the  potential to make a truly significant impact:

• Annual appeals or membership campaigns.

• Capital construction, including the construction of single-family dwellings.

• Endowment funds.

• Operational expenses of established organizations or debt retirement.

• Grants to individuals.

• Scholarships.

Application Deadline
Applications are due by the first Friday in June (June 4, 2010): online applications are due by 11:59 p.m.; all other applications must reach the Foundation office by 5 p.m. on June 4. This means mailed applications must be received by June 4 (not post marked).

Applications
To complete an online CMI Planning Grant application, click here.
To complete an online CMI Implementation Grant application, click here.
To complete an online CMI Direct Services Grant application, click here. 
Already started an application? Click here to log in to your account and open a saved application.

To download this information on the CMI Grant applications and process in a printable format, click here.

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