The Poverello Fund is a new benevolence fund - established by the Franciscan Coalition as an extension of outreach on behalf of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi - which will provide opportunities for members and partners of the St. Francis faith community to meet the needs of their neighbor through innovative charitable programs, systemic advocacy campaigns, unique awareness efforts, and other lay-led efforts to promote justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.

The aim of The Poverello Fund is to promote justice, peace, and the integrity of creation in light of Catholic social teaching; and to empower lay leaders to address social concerns with fresh, innovative approaches as an extension of our Franciscan faith community.

Grants must be submitted by an active member of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi and directly involve St. Francis parishioners with specific volunteer opportunities.

Proposals will arise out of the social teachings of the Catholic Church with a particular emphasis on the mission and Franciscan charism of the Catholic Community of St. Francis; providing direct assistance with an emphasis on empowerment and promoting the social teaching of the Catholic Church with a demonstrated respect for and desire to work with all people of faith and good will.

Grant applications will be received on a rolling basis, reviewed/rewarded quarterly, assessed regularly, and renewed annually (if necessary).