FAQs

Does McAuley Ministries fund only Catholic organizations?

No, all nonprofit organizations addressing a critical community need or opportunity in the Hill District, Uptown, or West Oakland are eligible for funding. However, funded programs must comply with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.

My organization does not have 501(c)(3) designation. May I still apply?

Yes, but a 501(c)(3) organization must act as your fiscal sponsor and, if funded, must be willing to sign the grant agreement and administer the grant. As the project director, you will also be asked to sign the grant agreement.

When can I apply for funding?

Outreach and Sustainability grants are awarded in March (Spring Cycle), July (Summer Cycle), and October (Fall Cycle). If you are targeting a specific grant cycle, please note the deadlines published on the website.  Applications are accepted at any time during the application window.  We encourage applicants to contact us prior to submitting an application.  Major grants are by invitation only.   If you have an idea that you would like to pitch to McAuley Ministries as a major grant, you may send a letter of inquiry to McAuley Ministries at any time, however letters are reviewed annually in March by the board.  Major grants are awarded based on priority focus areas of the board.

What size grants are available?

Grant size is determined by the scope of the project and availability of funds.
Outreach grants will typically range between $10,000-$100,000.
Sustainability grants will typically range between $100,000-$500,000.
Major grants will typically range between $500,000 and $2,000,000.

Why have you chosen to focus only on the Hill District, Uptown, and West Oakland? Certainly, other neighborhoods have critical needs.

We chose to focus on the neighborhoods that have hosted the health care ministries of the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh. We also recognize that our funds are limited. By focusing our grantmaking on specific neighborhoods, we believe we will have the potential to assist our neighbors in making positive and sustained improvements in the community.

Will McAuley Ministries fund operating expenses?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations are on the front lines, working with individuals and communities to address the issues that impact the health of families and neighborhoods. These organizations must have the internal capacity to be effective. Grants are available for operational support to organizations that have a demonstrated track record of delivering results.

Will McAuley Ministries fund technology, such as computers and information software?

Yes, we believe that technology provides an opportunity for organizations to increase their efficiency and effectiveness.

Will McAuley Ministries fund capital projects?

Yes, we will consider capital requests. However, McAuley Ministries will evaluate capital projects on a case-by-case basis to determine if the project is strategically aligned with our priorities.

My organization has an emergency situation and is looking for funding support.  Can McAuley Ministries assist?

McAuley Ministries can provide emergency funding up to $10,000.  To request emergency funding, please submit a letter to the Executive Director explaining the need.  Emergency requests are considered at any time.  Approval typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Will you inform us as to why our proposal was declined?

We will send you a letter outlining the primary reason your proposal was declined. Please note that we receive many excellent, well-written proposals recommending important work in the community. Since, we can only fund a small percentage of all requests, our decisions are based on how well your need fits with our current focus and the degree of community impact.  If you receive a declination letter, we encourage you to talk to our Executive Director to better understand the reason for the declination and identify possible next steps.

If my organization is awarded a grant, do we have to reapply for future funding?

Yes, you must reapply. Please contact the executive director before starting the application process for continuation funding. McAuley Ministries has a specific renewal application form for qualified applicants. The requested information will focus on results from the previous grant, lessons learned, and any changes planned in your program design and metrics. If you are applying for a new or different project, you should use the outreach & sustainability grant processes.

May I donate to McAuley Ministries?

We appreciate your generosity, but McAuley Ministries does not accept donations. You may consider a gift to Pittsburgh Mercy through its development office, which can be reached at 412-323-4521 or Development@pittsburghmercy.org. You may also consider a gift to one of our community partners. Please see Grants Awarded for a list of organizations and projects supported by McAuley Ministries.

Whom should I contact for grant requests and other questions?

Please contact Marisol Valentin, executive director, at 412-390-9124 or at MValentin@mcauleyministries.org.