A new funding opportunity for Latino clergy and churches located in Philadelphia County strives to make a difference for the growing number of Latino Catholics in the region.

The Esperanza Hispanic Ministry Small Grant Fund supports Latino churches and leadership, and funds projects that focus on the development of the church’s ministries of service to the Latino community.

Established by the Hispanic Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity in 1987, the organization provides up to 40 grants annually with an award of up to $500. Submissions are due Friday, Oct. 3 by 5 p.m. Both English and Spanish language applicants are encouraged to apply.

“As Esperanza and the Latino community continues to grow, Esperanza has expanded the size and scope of its programs to address evolving needs and to improve the economic stability of the region,” states the organization.

According to Philadelphia Neighborhoods, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia serves about 60,000 Latino Catholics that are registered with parishes. “When you count the Latino Catholics not registered with parishes, the number is closer 200,000,” said Rev. Bruce Lewandowski, who is the Vicar for Cultural Ministries.

The criteria to submit an application are the following:
Latino clergy and churches who demonstrate the ability to advance Esperanza’s mission of serving “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40).
Priority will be given to programs and services that are reflective for Esperanza’s programming
Latino clergy and churches serving the Latino community
Latino clergy and churches who provide or promote educational or community development opportunities for individuals and communities
Latino churches who seek to develop and enhance current leadership
Latino churches with budgets of $500,000 or less
Latino  churches serving Philadelphia County

For more information visit Esperanza (English version) or Ministerios de Esperanza (Spanish version.)

If you have any questions you can send an email to becas@esperanza.us.