Purpose
Since 1875, the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis have ministered to those in need by responding to many calls of ministry. As we continue to meet the challenge of a changing world, we are called upon to use our resources wisely in our ministry, especially to the poor, women, children, and minorities.
In order to provide resources that will enable the Hospital Sisters to serve the economically disadvantaged, a fund has been established. This fund will be utilized to support a ministry or project which is not able to be funded by some other means.
BROCHURE
San Damiano Outreach Vision Statement
The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis are committed to proclaiming the gospel in the spirit of St. Francis and the founding Sisters through prayer and service with others. We are dedicated to a wholehearted response to the sick, poor, and needy. We strive to bring Christ's healing presence to suffering humanity with simplicity and compassionate care.
One means of living our Franciscan call to gospel poverty is by channeling of donations to worthy causes.
With the establishment of the San Damiano Fund, we reaffirm our common mission of healing and supporting creative ways of meeting the needs of the poor, women, children, and minorities.
The purpose of the San Damiano Fund is to provide grant monies to support ministries or projects serving these groups of people.
Procedure
Based on the prior year's investment returns, the Leadership Team will determine the amount of money available for grants during the current year.
The San Damiano Outreach Committee will evaluate all proposals according to the established criteria. Recommendations from the committee will be presented to the Leadership Team for final approval and notification will be shared with those who submitted grant proposals as to the disposition of their proposals.
Criteria
Application for grants must meet the following criteria:
- The ministry/project furthers the purpose of the San Damiano Outreach.
- Preference is given to:
- Service with economically poor.
- Ministry that changes oppressive structures.
- Ministry that focuses on the development of persons rather than on the purchase of equipment, land, building, or construction.
- Ministry that is located in the geographical area of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) institutions and/or Hospital Sisters of St. Francis ministries.
- Ministry that is located within the continental United States.
- Other sources of funding are not available or insufficient.
- The objectives are attainable without the repeated or long-term financial commitment of the congregation.
Evaluation / Accountability
The ministry or project receiving a grant will be asked to submit to the Leadership Team an annual written evaluation based on the goals/objectives expressed in the proposal.
In order that the Team is aware of the furthering of our mission through a particular ministry, the ministry or project receiving a grant may be asked to share their experience with the members of the Congregation.
Funding
The amount of subsidy allocated to any proposal is dependent upon the funds available, the number of requests for subsidy, and the need of the applicant as determined by the San Damiano Outreach Committee and the Leadership Team.
In order to ensure the continuation of the ministry beyond the terms of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis funding, applicants for funding beyond one year will be requested to give evidence that other avenues of funding have been pursued. The grant range is $1,000 - $10,000.
Applications
AN APPLICATION IS REQUIRED
Application Form
Formal Application: February 1 & August 1
Team Approval: April 1 & October 1
Funds Available: April 15 & October 15
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Chairperson
San Damiano Outreach Committee
Hospital Sisters of St. Francis
4849 LaVerna Road
Springfield, IL 62794
Phone: (217) 522-3387
