Allegany Franciscan Ministries offers one cycle of Major Grant awards in our Palm Beach and Tampa Bay regions. Major grants are strategically aligned with Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ mission and our priorities for the year. In addition, Allegany Franciscan Ministries may award non-competitive Major Grants at any time to projects that have been identified or developed through our work and involvement in our three Florida regions (Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Tampa Bay) which encompass six counties (Miami-Dade, Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Hillsborough and Pinellas). Major Grants in all three regions are awarded over a one to two year time frame, to support project sustainability and to balance the flow of funds for organizations over the years.

Tau grants are awarded through two annual grant cycles in the three Florida regions (Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Tampa Bay) encompassing six counties (Miami-Dade, Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Hillsborough and Pinellas). Generally, Tau grants are awarded to local grassroots nonprofit organizations to assist with organizational or program needs that are limited in time and scope. Tau grants may also be used to support basic and emergency needs such as food, shelter and medication.

ACOR supports programs affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany or Trinity Health, and includes support to Franciscan Sisters of Allegany ministries throughout the United States as well as abroad, especially in Brazil and Jamaica. Funds are awarded in two cycles each year, and range up to $5,000.

Funding will be awarded through the central Allegany Franciscan Ministries office for activities or projects that support our mission and impact more than one region. These may include national, statewide or regional advocacy efforts, philanthropic partnerships, educational, research and planning activities, disaster response or other appropriate projects. In the event of hurricanes or other disasters, the All-Region Fund may be utilized to meet disaster recovery and response needs in any Florida region, the state, nationally or internationally. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $100,000. Recommendations are presented directly to the board of directors. Direct unsolicited requests are not accepted.

The Common Good Initiative’s goal is to partner with other philanthropic, public, private, non-profit and faith-based organizations in three specific geographic neighborhoods (Overtown in Miami, Wimauma in Tampa Bay and Lincoln Park in Fort Pierce) to create healthier, safer, and more prosperous places in which our most vulnerable residents can live, learn, work and play. Allegany Franciscan Ministries has committed to invest $1M in each region in FY15, with continued support over the next five years. We will work with residents and stakeholders to create opportunities, develop strategies and make investments that lead to positive health outcomes.