Charitable grants are now available to Diocese of Knoxville parishes
By Allison DiGennaro
The Pope Francis Charitable Trust Fund exists to support and accelerate charitable outreach at the parish level in the Diocese of Knoxville.
The fund provides matching grants to parishes to foster local, parish-based charitable works.
The Pope Francis Charitable Trust Fund supports parish-based charitable ministry in action. Key focus areas include feeding the hungry; supporting secure housing; helping children; and assistance with utilities, transportation, and minor health-care costs.
Reaching out to those who are in need is a vital part of the Catholic faith. This matching-grant program helps to foster corporal works of mercy throughout the Diocese of Knoxville to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, offer shelter to those in need, and so much more.
More than $600,000 has been awarded to parishes since the fund began providing grants in 2019. Parish applications are made available each February. Grant awards are announced annually in July.
In past years, parishes have been asked to provide a matching amount of support.
This year is a Jubilee Year, the 2025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord. Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Jubilee Year as a time to renew ourselves as “Pilgrims of Hope.”
In recognition of this holy year, Bishop Mark Beckman has offered a beautiful gift to parishes in removing the requirement for parishes to offer a match for the 2025 grant year. This is a one-time gift for the Jubilee Year. Note that all other requirements are still in effect, including the completion of parish grant summary reports.
Bishop Beckman reminds us of the quote from Pope Francis, “Practicing charity is the best way to evangelize.” With the Jubilee Year’s theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” the bishop is hopeful that many parishes will apply for charitable funds and use this year to reach out to those who are most in need of hope.
Parishes within the Diocese of Knoxville who are interested in applying for funds this year may visit dioknox.org/charity to learn more. Applications are due March 31.
