Funding Guidelines
Download the Catholic Extension Society Funding Guidelines (PDF)
What is Catholic Extension Society?
Catholic Extension Society is a national fundraising organization committed to supporting and strengthening the Catholic church in poor dioceses across the U.S. We provide funding and resources to dioceses and parishes through programs and services investing in people, infrastructure and ministries. This support is given based on need, passion and commitment to the growth of the Catholic faith. Since 1905, Catholic Extension Society has distributed over $650 million to communities across America.
Who is eligible to receive support from Catholic Extension Society?
Catholic Extension Society provides funding directly to poor dioceses that are pre-approved by Catholic Extension Society’s Board of Governors. Funding is not available to individuals or organizations that do not work in these specified dioceses.
For a list of approved Extension dioceses, please click here.
Who do I contact about making a funding request?
If your diocese is an approved Extension diocese and you would like to make a request for funding, please notify your designated diocesan contact person. It is important to discuss your funding needs before making a formal funding request.
To find your diocesan representative for a Catholic Extension Society funding request or for general questions regarding funding eligibility, funding opportunities, or procedures, please consult our FAQ page. Or, contact Catholic Extension Society directly at mission@catholicextension.org, or 312-795-6095.
What types of funding does Catholic Extension Society offer?
Catholic Extension Society accepts incoming funding requests to support Extension dioceses in the following ways:
Types of Funding
- Building Foundation Funds the operation of ministries that extend a basic church presence to the most under-resourced communities.
- Building Leaders Funds the education/training of lay and ordained leaders.
- Building Churches and other Facilities Funds the construction and renovation of churches and other critical church facilities.
- Engaging Young Catholics Supports ministries that provide faith formation for children, teens, and young adults and families.
- Building Capacity Funds initiatives that help the church increase its fundraising capabilities, manage its financial resources, and operate more efficiently. Includes support for Catholic Schools.
- Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Funds a variety of pastoral and social outreach efforts of the church.
Catholic Extension Society’s STRATEGIC INITIATIVES allow us to multiply the impact of our donors’ gifts while providing the opportunity for dioceses to access top-level programs that would otherwise be outside of their financial capacity.