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2026 APPLICATION PROCESS
The Mission and Ministry Fund provides critical resources to schools, diocesan programs and outreach ministries in the Diocese of Lexington. Many recipients operate churches and programs in some of the poorest counties in the nation and would not survive without this support. The Mission and Ministry Fund is comprised of the proceeds from the Diocesan Annual Appeal; the Mission Network Program where speakers from our diocese make appeals for support in other dioceses across the United States; the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Home Missions; significant support from Catholic Extension; and a portion of the Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to assist with outreach efforts throughout the diocese to combat poverty.
The Mission and Ministry grant process is administered by the Development Office in the Diocese of Lexington. The diocesan Mission Advisory Panel, composed of representatives from each of the diocesan deaneries, reviews requests and makes funding recommendations. The Bishop reviews these recommendations for approval and award notifications are sent after that.
Application Open: Dec. 1, 2025
Application Close: Jan 30, 2026
Award Decisions Announced: Late March 2026
First Installment: August 2026
Second Installment: November 2026
Third Installment: February 2027
Fourth Installment: May 2027
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The Mission Advisory Panel has made adjustments to facilitate a simplified application and provide opportunities for personal engagement between the applicants and the Panel. If you have any questions, please contact Sara Spellman at (859) 253-1993 ext.1051 or sspellman@cdlex.org
- There is now only ONE application for all organizations. It is important that you, as the representative of your local organization, provide a thorough portrait of your organization and its needs.
- Please pay special attention to the two narrative portions where you are asked to detail a) how the organization will use the funds requested and b) the summary of your organization’s mission and purpose. Please include all information you feel is pertinent for the Panel to discern your request.
- The Development Office, in consultation with the Finance Office and Bishop, determines which applications are deemed “must-fund.” Those are set aside for funding, allowing the Panel to discern the remaining requests. Your organization will be informed if you request is deemed “must-fund” or “discern.” It is possible that your request encompasses both designations.
Process
1. Register
Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login to the award with your email and password.
3. Create
Create your online application. For a list of required information and attachments, please review the program guidelines.
4. Save
During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the Application Summary section.
5. Submit
On completion, save your Nomination as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Award Administrator.
Key Dates
2026-27 Mission and Ministry Grant Application
2026-27 Mission and Ministry Reporting
Contact Us
CDLEX1310 West Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 253 – 1993
Email: sspellman@cdlex.org
