A fund at the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation (CDMF) that makes a significant  impact on the community is the Heart of Mercy Endowment (HOME).

At the direction of the bishop of Madison, this fund fosters Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and supports various ministries and programs throughout the diocese.

A few years ago, Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison announced a more streamlined application process for HOME grants to foster a more impactful approach to distribute the amounts available annually for these grants.

This year, Bishop Hying will again be awarding grants of up to $5,000 to selected applicants.

Visit the CDMF website at diocesemadisonfoundation.org to find a link to the HOME Grant application and to learn more about the Foundation.

Applications are open now through Thursday, Oct. 1.

Bishop Hying will again give special consideration to applications that demonstrate innovative initiatives and/or those that align with the Diocese of Madison’s Into the Deep and Go Make Disciples initiatives.

The tenets and focus of Into the Deep are: 1) Following Jesus, 2) Reclaiming Sunday, 3) Evangelizing Others, 4) Engaging Youth, 5) Equipping Leaders, and 6) Serving Neighbors, both now and into the future.

The tenets and focus of Go Make Disciples are: 1) Forming Leadership, 2) Seeking Holiness, and 3) Witnessing to Christ.

Emails will be sent out to all prior HOME grant recipients (nonprofits, parishes, etc.) to let them know the application period is open.

HOME has uplifted many local nonprofits and charitable organizations since its inception.

From food pantries to women’s crisis centers, homeless shelters, and more, these positive impacts are exactly what the HOME fund, at the direction of Bishop Hying, seeks to provide.

If you know of a nonprofit organization that focuses on either the Corporal or Spiritual Works of Mercy, encourage them to apply.

As a reminder, Corporal Works of Mercy, as defined by the Catholic Church, include feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and prisoners, burying the dead, and giving alms to the poor.

Spiritual Works of Mercy include counseling the doubtful, instructing the ignorant, admonishing the sinner, comforting the sorrowful, forgiving injuries, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for the living and the dead.