Microgrant Press Release
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For Immediate Release Contact: Dr. Donald R. McCrabb
June 21, 2021 dmccrabb@uscatholicmission.orgConrad N. Hilton Foundation awards Catholic Cares coalition $100,000 grant to support promotion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and equity
Washington, D.C. — The Catholic Cares Coalition, which is a group of more than 50 U.S.-based Catholic organizations committed to promoting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and equity, is honored to be the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The funds will be used over six months to support coalition members and partners as they work to promote broad acceptance and equitable distribution of the vaccines.
A portion of the funds will be distributed as microgrants for coalition members to use for short-term communication initiatives that utilize digital media to disseminate fact-based information on the vaccines from local influencers. An example of such an initiative could be the purchase of Spanish-language texting capabilities that would allow local clergy to send information about vaccine clinics to their congregations. The grant will also allow the coalition to build out its website (www.catholiccares.org) and digital infrastructure to support the dissemination of relevant and timely content and best practices among its members and their constituencies.
“This philanthropic support of the coalition empowers national Catholic organizations to further our collaboration to affect the common good by promoting vaccine acceptance and equity. With the varying charisms unique to each organizational mission, our unified efforts are making a significant contribution to helping end this pandemic. We are grateful to the Hilton Foundation for their generosity,” said Margaret Matijasevic, executive director, In Word and Witness.
The Catholic Cares coalition was formed in early 2021 to maximize members’ influence and to support various grassroots efforts on vaccine equity and distribution. The distinctly Catholic perspective and resources of each coalition member, and long history of success in their varying missions, offers a unique opportunity to address three goals:- Leverage communication channels and resources to share consistent information about the importance of accepting a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
- Provide human, spiritual, and pastoral support for those struggling to understand, affirm, and act on Catholic social teaching, including the teachings of Pope Francis and the U.S. Catholic Bishops.
- Advocate for the equitable distribution of the vaccine in the U.S. and globally.
“The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is committed to ensuring all communities have accurate information about and access to the COVID-19 vaccine. We are proud to support an incredible coalition increasing vaccine equity and awareness in communities experiencing disadvantage,” said Sr. Jane Wakahiu, associate vice president of program operations and head of Catholic Sisters at the Hilton Foundation.
For additional information about the Catholic Cares vaccination efforts and to learn more about the microgrant program, please visit www.catholiccares.org or email CatholicOrgs4Vaccination@gmail.com.###
Participating Organizations
Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities
Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities
Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities
Association of Marianist Universities
Association of U.S. Catholic Priests
Bon Secours Mercy Health
Catholic Charites USA
Catholic Climate Covenant
Catholic Health Association of India
Catholic Health Association of the United States
Catholic Legal Immigration Network
Catholic Medical Mission Board
Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Rural Life
Catholics for Family Peace
Christian Brothers Conference
Christian Family Movement
Conference for Mercy Higher Education
Diocese of Davenport
Diocese of Sioux City
Faith in Action
Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions
Felician Services, Inc.
Franciscan Action Network
Franciscan Mission Service
Friends in Solidarity
In Word and Witness
Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
Jesuit Conference Office of Justice and Ecology
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Leadership Roundtable
Magis Americas
Maryknoll Affiliates
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Maryknoll Lay Missioners
Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns
Maryknoll Sisters
Medical Mission Sisters
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Kansas City Province
Missionary Society of St. Columban
Missionhurst-CICM
National Association of Catholic Chaplains
National Association of Church Personnel Administrators
National Catholic Council for Hispanic Ministry
National Catholic Educational Association
Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
Providence Health System
Religious Formation Conference
Saint Jude the Apostle Church
SIGNIS
Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Sisters of the Precious Blood
Support Our Aging Religious
United States Catholic Mission Association
56 Organizations
Updated: Friday, July 16th, 2021