Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a grant?

We consider only those applications which are submitted through our online process (eGrant program).  After reviewing our funding priorities and restrictions, click here to begin the process.

How soon can I expect to receive a response?

Between the time you submit an application and the time you receive a decision and, where applicable, funding, it may be as long as 6 or 9 months.  We have 3 deadlines and our internal processes require about 5 months from the deadline to the notification of grantees.  Your attention to the instructions and to providing complete information will reduce the likelihood of any additional delays to the process.

If your need is more urgent than that, we recommend that you pursue other sources of funding for your project.

How large a request can I make?

Grants are typically between $10,000 and $25,000.  Funding requests for more than $25,000 will not be considered.

What are needs internal to a congregation and why don’t you fund them?

Sometimes, when sisters hear about the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters they assume that we award grants to congregations to help them care for their sisters and provide them with necessities such as health care, education, transportation and housing. This is understandable; but, it is not the case. Though these needs are very real and it is critically important for the Church and other organizations to address them, such is not the mission of the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters. We exclusively provide financial support for the apostolic work of sisters. (The funds must be used to support a specific, well-defined project.) We do not award grants for general congregational support.

What is the length of time that I have to spend the grant funds?

All grants are for a period of one year from the date the board grants approval.

How do I apply for a “renewal” of my grant?

The Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters does not renew a grant that has been given.  Each request must be submitted using the same application process.

How often can I apply for a grant?

An individual sister or project is eligible to receive no more than 3 grants within a period of 10 years. A subsequent application may not be submitted until after the completion of the 10th year.

Why do you only accept documents that are in English?

We have a small staff who handle a large volume of requests, and it is simply not possible to provide translation services for all of the languages that are native to our applicants.

We do not provide funding to include translation costs.  If you need assistance, there are translation services available for non-profits that can be found using an internet search.

If you do not fund my project, where else can I go for assistance? 

We do not have staff who can provide research services.  We encourage you to search the web and other sources to find funding agencies.  Many agencies fund Catholic Sisters and Catholic ministries.  Paid subscriptions to resources are available from The Catholic Funding Guide  (www.catholicfundingguide.com/main) from FADICA (Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities) and The Mission Project Service Funding Guide (www.missionprojectservice.org).

How do I make a report when I have reached the end of the one-year grant period?

The Grant Report can be found in the same eGrant account from which you submitted the application.  If you need assistance, instructions are provided on the Current Grantees page of our website.