Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program draws Catholics into the unique spirit of the Lenten season. It is an opportunity for families, communities, and parishes to reflect on, pray for, and assist the poor in this country and in the developing world. For families especially, the program provides a forum for understanding the values of self-sacrifice and concern for the poor everywhere.
Most parishes distribute Rice Bowl materials on Ash Wednesday or the first Sunday of Lent. Using the Rice Bowl as a symbol of poverty and hunger, individuals, families, and parishes participate in the program through: Prayer, Fasting, Education, and Almsgiving. Annual CRS Rice Bowl donations support international and local hunger programs: 75% supports CRS global programs and 25% supports local hunger programs and to reduce food insecurity in our diocese. Local grants are available for smaller soup kitchens and pantries that are supported by our diocesan Catholic community.
Apply for a Grant
Every year, Catholics across the country use nearly 4 million iconic rice bowls for almsgiving that results in nearly $12 million collected annually. Of that amount, 75% supports CRS global programs and 25% stays in our individual dioceses to support local hunger programs and to reduce food insecurity areas. Funds for the diocesan CRS Rice Bowl Local Funds Grants program were donated by our parishes and are designated for smaller soup kitchens and pantries that are supported by our diocesan Catholic community.
Grant requests should be in the $200 to $2,000 range. Priority will be given to applications that identify needs that cannot be met by other means. While the grants may be used to purchase food, they also may be used for equipment replacements, repair costs; however, funds may not be used for salaries or administrative costs.
The grant application is not complicated. Basic contact information and information about the soup kitchen or pantry is required. The information questions include: What is your mission? What services do you provide? Who do you serve? How many per month? With whom do you partner? How would the grant be used? One important requirement for each application is the signature from a Catholic parish pastor or Catholic agency director.
For more information contact Erin Cordle at 614-241-2540 or email her at [email protected]. Applications may be emailed or mailed to Office for Social Concerns, 197 East Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215. These are open-cycle grants (with a limit of two requests per diocesan fiscal year July – June) and applications will be reviewed within two work weeks of receipt. If approved, grant awardees will be sent a letter of understanding that outlines grant expectations and progress and fiscal reporting requirements.
For the CRS Rice Bowl Grants Application CLICK HERE; email [email protected]; or call Erin Cordle, diocesan CRS director at 614-241-2540.