Catholic Extension Society is offering Puerto Rican parishes an opportunity to receive a $5,000 matching grant. To qualify, participants must meet the guidelines below, which includes enrolling in the Institute of Economic Development of Parishes.

*Program available to Puerto Rico dioceses only

Program Overview

To support effective financial stewardship of today’s parish communities, Catholic Extension Society is offering to dioceses the first workshop through the establishment of the Institute of Economic Development of Parishes. The institute will provide pastors and parish leaders, activities, opportunities, and resources that will support them and their communities in areas related to economic development that will lead to the development of resilient Catholic communities in Puerto Rico.

This initiative seeks to accomplish two important specific goals: 

  1. Familiarize pastor and parish leaders on the steps to develop successful fundraising activities by providing hands on experiences on effective fundraising strategies.
  2. Create long-term strategies for the sustainability of the parish. Explore innovative and continuous methods of fundraising. 

How will this training be offered?

The institute will begin its services with the implementation of a three-day Spanish-language workshop that will empower pastors to develop a working plan confidently and competently for fundraising activities.

Thirty (30) parishes will be admitted into the program this year and may select the following dates for the workshop (please indicate your first choice and second choice in the application), we will attempt to meet your preferred date)

  • June 4-6, 2024
  • June 25-27, 2024

First workshop: Transforming parish, missionary, and financial growth in our communities: Fundraising Workshop for Priests and Laity

Location: Casa Manresa, Aibonito, Puerto Rico

Dates: You will be notified of your final date upon application approval.

This will be an opportunity for real-time peer-learning that will highlight the creative ways that peers are raising funds in their parishes. After participating in the workshops, the participants will be able to:

  1. Set a Fundraising Goal.
  2. Develop a fundraising plan and timeline.
  3. Implement activities to integrate in their parishes for fundraising.
  4. Identify best practices and share stories of success or struggles with others.

Program Guidelines

  • Each participant should review the full detailed program guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions here
  • Each pastor needs to submit application to participate of a three-day Excellence Fundraising Workshop.
  • Each participant needs to participate of the bi-weekly hybrid Coaching sessions.
  • Each participant needs to participate in the One-day Best Practice Workshop after the fundraising has been completed.
  • Each cohort will have the same deadline to raise their respective match.

Who is eligible?

This program is open to applicants from Parishes in Puerto Rico whose Priest would like to participate with a member of the community.

To apply:

  • Complete the simple Online application by April 1, 2024.
  • Attach official letter endorsement from the Archbishop or Bishop

Note: Applications must be submitted by primary contacts at the Diocese, not participants.

For More Information, contact:

Susana Linares, Manager for Economic Development, at 787-640-2996, slinares@catholicextension.org or Manuel Martínez 787-363-6805 or mmartinez@catholicextension.org.