The Ansgar Charitable Foundation

The Foundation considers proposals from Catholic organizations in Canada in the areas of church renewal, education and relief work.

In the area of Church renewal, the Foundation supports projects that promote the spirituality of the laity, high quality religious and lay leadership, vital parish life, and First Nations ministries, as well as projects that involve pastoral research, planning and consultation.

In the area of education, the Foundation supports projects that promote quality religious education, strengthen the religious identity of Catholic academic institutions, and encourage effective Catholic campus ministry.

In the area of relief work, the Foundation supports projects that provide direct service to the needy or strengthen family life within disadvantaged populations.

The Foundation accepts proposals for funding from Roman Catholic organizations, dioceses, groups of parishes, social agencies, religious orders, associations and other groups in Canada. Applicant organizations must have charitable registration numbers.

Although there is great need, the Foundation does not accept proposals from individual parishes, schools, colleges, universities, seminaries or retreat houses for projects serving the ongoing functions of a particular institution. It does not make grants to support individuals. The Foundation does not accept applications from organizations outside of Canada or from Canadian-based organizations seeking funds for international projects.

The Foundation welcomes proposals for projects that address serious needs and challenges -- through innovative as well as tried-and-true approaches. These include (but are not limited to) conferences, workshops, consulting services, program development, new staff positions, training opportunities, and social service programming. The Foundation considers practical research projects if there is a clearly identified audience who will use the research and assume responsibility for part of its cost.

The Foundation funds costs associated with projects and programs. It also makes capacity-building grants, that is, grants that strengthen organizations in ways that enable them to fulfill their mission more effectively or widely. Examples include training for boards, staff or volunteers, improvement in organizational management or finances, enhanced networking, etc.

The Foundation does not fund capital campaigns, endowments, debt repayment, building construction, major renovations, scholarships, community organizing, or political lobbying efforts, nor does it fund already completed projects. It does not provide general support for well established programs.

Most grants are in the $15,000 to $25,000 range; few grants exceed $50,000. Almost all grants are made on a one-year basis.