Grant Distribution
In November 2008, the bishops Subcommittee on the Church in Africa approved grants for 41 projects totaling $883,000.00. Please click here to view a full list of approved projects.
In June 2008, the bishops Subcommittee on the Church in Africa approved grants for 43 projects totaling $912,500.00. Please click here to view a full list of approved projects.
Press Release on July 2007 Grants
July 16, 2007
Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, Chairman, announced the first ever grants in July 2007. A total of $628,000 was awarded to 51 pastoral projects in Africa. Click here for a list of these grants.
Grant Recipient Testimonials
On behalf of the Zambia Episcopal Conference (the Founder and Proprietor of the University) and the Faculty and Students of the University, we would like to say a very big "THANK YOU" to all the members of the USCCB for this priceless and invaluable generosity and thoughtfulness towards our University. We just cannot find words, suitable enough, to thank the members of the USCCB as they deserve. Without a shadow of a doubt, we shall never fail to show the USCCB our gratitude and appreciation. It is, indeed, only God who will reward the USCCB and, of course, in the way He knows best.
We take this opportunity to sincerely thank also all those who made it possible for the USCCB to assist us so generously.
We are extremely happy to have to communicate to the members of the USCCB that 15 Computers and the accessories have been purchased, installed and are in full operation.
Sample Pastoral Solidarity Fund Projects
The Church in this country enjoys a distinguished record of both moral and material support for the Church in Africa. In a bold move forward, the Pastoral Solidarity Fund represents direct aid from the U.S. Bishops' Conference to the Church in Africa, characterized by stronger coordination and accountability. This initiative builds upon the historic work of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). It is designed to complement, not duplicate, their work in Africa. The Fund provides a vehicle for bishops to provide sustained, effective and accountable support to the Church in Africa. The Pastoral Solidarity Fund will help respond to explicitly pastoral needs; it will not duplicate the humanitarian or development assistance provided by Catholic Relief Services.
The Subcommittee on the Church in Africa assures you that your contributions will be effectively used. The Subcommittee is building relationships and capacity in distributing grants. We are also using clear criteria for grants. The Subcommittee will only accept applications for grants that address the following pastoral areas: catechetical programs, seminaries/ seminarians, continuing education of clergy, communications/mass media, and Catholic education and schools.
A Zambian mother comforts her baby, 2003.
"The critical challenges and enormous potential facing Africa today serve as the opportunity for-and test of-our mutual solidarity. Our response to this vocation of solidarity with the Church and peoples of Africa enables us to express love "in deed and in truth" (1 Jn 3:18), a love that creates no borders and sets no limits to what might be accomplished together in Christ." - A Call to Solidarity with Africa (2001)