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Welcome to CDLex Grant Applications
The Catholic Diocese of Lexington is committed to supporting the ministries, programs, and initiatives that strengthen the life of the Church and serve the people of Central and Eastern Kentucky. Through a variety of grant opportunities, the Diocese provides financial resources to parishes, schools, apostolates, and other ministries working to advance the mission of the Catholic Church.
This application portal provides access to grant funding opportunities offered through the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. Each grant program has its own purpose, eligibility requirements, application period, and funding priorities. Applicants are encouraged to review the information provided for each opportunity carefully before beginning an application.
Mission and Ministry Grant Program
The Mission and Ministry Grant Program provides financial support to parishes, schools, and apostolates of the Diocese of Lexington. Funding for this program is made possible through the generosity of donors to the Diocesan Annual Appeal, allowing the Diocese to reinvest those gifts directly into ministries serving our communities. Applications for Mission and Ministry Grants are accepted annually from December through January.
Opportunities for Life Grant Program
The Opportunities for Life Grant Program, offered through the Office of Peace and Justice, supports initiatives that promote the dignity of human life and advance the Church's commitment to peace, justice, and service. Applications for Opportunities for Life Grants are accepted annually from September through November.
We invite you to explore the available grant opportunities and consider how your ministry can help further the mission of the Catholic Church throughout the Diocese of Lexington. Thank you for the work you do to serve God's people and for your commitment to building stronger, more faithful communities.
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.
2026 FUNDING TIMELINE
December 1st, 2025.
Opportunities for Life Funding
“Every human life, unique and unrepeatable, has value in and of itself; it is of inestimable value. This must always be proclaimed anew with the courage of the Word and the courage of actions. It calls us to solidarity and fraternal love for the great human family and for each of its members.” – Pope Francis on the 25th Anniversary of Evangelium Vitae (March 25, 2020)
The Catholic Church’s commitment to promoting human dignity and protecting life extends across a wide spectrum of issues facing our society. Among these issues that concern the Church regarding the dignity of human life, abortion plays a central role. The Church’s commitment to protecting life and promoting human dignity includes that of both the child and the mother.
Pro-life activity prioritizes the well-being of women, children, and families with both material resources and personal accompaniment so that no woman ever feels forced to choose between her future and the life of her child. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stands with each diocese:
- To redouble efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, and during the early years of parenthood, offering loving and compassionate care through initiatives such as Walking with Moms in Need .
- To ensure that Catholic parishes are welcoming places for women facing challenging pregnancies or who find it difficult to care for their children after birth.
- To expand and improve the extensive network of comprehensive care, including pregnancy help centers, maternity homes, and Catholic health care and social service agencies.
- To proclaim with a clear and united voice that society can and must protect and care for both women and their children.
- To advocate for laws that guarantee the right to life for unborn children and ensure that no mother or family lacks basic resources.
In 2026, the Catholic Diocese of Lexington announced the Opportunities for Life Grants, supporting parishes and partnering organizations across Eastern and Central Kentucky.
Opportunities for Life Parish Grant
Description
The purpose of this funding is to support pro-life partnerships between Catholic parishes, diocesan ministries, and organizations that promote life. Grants are awarded to diocesan entities and used to support the pro-life organizations with which they work.
Applications are to be submitted by Catholic parishes, schools, or other diocesan ministries and are evaluated on a rolling basis by the Opportunities for Life Grant Committee, facilitated by the Director of Peace and Justice. Recommendations are provided to the bishop for final approval.
Application Availability
Rolling Basis
General Guidelines
- Programs must be parish-based.
- Grant request not to exceed $15,000.
- Promote human life as a precious gift from God and protect and nurture life at every stage.
- Not be used to support organizations outside the parish.
- Only one application per organization per year will be accepted for consideration.
Opportunities for Life Parish Partnership Grant
Description
The purpose of this funding is to support pro-life partnerships between parishes, diocesan ministries, and organizations that promote life. Grants are awarded to diocesan entities and used to support the pro-life organizations with which they work.
Applications are to be submitted by Catholic parishes, schools, or other diocesan ministries and are evaluated on a rolling basis by the Opportunities for Life Grant Committee, facilitated by the Director of Peace and Justice. Recommendations are provided to the bishop for final approval.
Application Availability
Rolling Basis
General Guidelines
- $5,000 maximum grant request
- Only diocesan entities and Catholic Charities may apply.
- Partnering organizations must be non-profit and operate within the 50 counties of the Diocese of Lexington.
- Funds must support pro-life activities, including critical assistance to mothers and families and accompaniment for women and couples facing unexpected pregnancies.
- Partnering organizations must be recognized by the IRS or have applied for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
- Organizations must not contradict Catholic moral and social teachings or work against USCCB priorities.
- Organizations may not participate or intervene in political campaigns. GOTV and voter-education activities must comply with IRS rules for 501(c)(3) organizations.
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 Opportunities for Life Grant Application
2026-27 Opportunities for Life Reporting
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
