While most dioceses prioritize print publications in their operational budgets, finding resources to support communications is always a concern.  Most dioceses employ a variety of means to fund publications, including parish assessments, readership appeals, sponsorships, ad sales, and even fundraising events. But Sharon Adams, Grant Manager for the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, encourages communicators also to consider grants as a potential resource to offset the cost of a print publication.

In a presentation at the 2024 Catholic Media Conference, Adams outlined the four-step process for successfully obtaining grant funding:

1. Define your project by clearly articulating the purpose, project budget, and goals. For diocesan publications, this might mean describing the evangelizing purpose of a publication to reach new or lapsed Catholics, share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, and teach people how to adopt the lifestyle of missionary discipleship.
    
2. Research grant opportunities by following leads from press releases about philanthropy geared toward the Church, checking federal 990 filings of organizations that share the Church’s mission, and utilizing grand databases to search for Catholic or faith-based grants. Adams suggests searching for local funding sources first, but also advises national sources, including:
   • Catholic Funding Guide
   • USCCB Catholic Communication Campaign
   • Koch Foundation
   • Lilly Endowment
      
3. Check eligibility requirements to be sure your diocesan publication can be considered for an award. Look for geographic restrictions, funding priorities, and application deadlines. Keep in mind private foundations support causes that align with their core values, personal faith and social priorities.
    
4. Follow application guidelines and explain your needs clearly, including plans of action, benchmarks, impact, and overall budget. Make a positive case for why your publication will serve as an expression of the grantor’s mission.

Adams stressed the competitive nature of securing grants is why an application should be well-researched and carefully prepared. She also said it may take time to find a match for your project, but diligence will pay off. “A well-prepared application is key to increasing your chances of success,” she said. “Good luck!”