Overview

Application Process

Application Form

Purpose

Mercy Caritas grants provide funding for community-based programs that are consistent with the Sisters of Mercy Health System’s mission to implement and advocate for innovative health and social services to improve the health and quality of life of communities served, with particular concern for people who are economically poor and our vision to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Eligibility

The Sisters of Mercy Health System (Mercy) is composed of sponsored Strategic Service Units (SSUs) and sponsored community ministries, which serve a defined geographic area comprised of multiple counties in seven south central states. All Mercy-sponsored ministries and community-based programs facilitated by or in collaboration with Mercy-sponsored ministries are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a letter of endorsement from the Chief Executive Officer or the Chief Operating Officer of their local Mercy ministry, facility, or sponsored ministry and a letter of support from collaborating partner(s).

Criteria

Mercy Caritas will consider innovative programs that are consistent with and further Mercy’s Mission and Vision, providing access to health and social services, quality of life improvements, prevention/wellness activities and systemic change efforts. Selection will be based on the following criteria:

1. Focus on disproportionately unmet community health needs.
2. Involve collaborative partnerships to connect Mercy’s expertise in acute care with public and community health expertise and to promote efforts to enhance community capacity and sustainable services.
3. Focus on measurable outcomes.
4. Emphasize primary prevention strategies.

Funding

Annual awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 per program. Awards are granted for a 12-month period from July 2009 to June 2010 and require a mid-year and end-of-year report.

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The Mercy Caritas grant application is available by clicking the application form link at the top of this page. Save the grant application template, complete it, and submit it by e-mail to christine.dieter@mercy.net. If you cannot submit it electronically, print your completed form and send it to the Sisters of Mercy corporate office. Forms should be sent to the attention of Mercy Caritas, Sisters of Mercy Health System, 14528 S. Outer Forty, Suite 100, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Electronic or hard copies of all proposals must be received by February 19, 2009 in order to receive consideration.

Grant Review and Selection

All applications submitted will be screened for eligibility. Due to the significant number of applications we receive, only those that strictly adhere to the fund’s guidelines will be considered. Incomplete or ineligible applications will be returned. The determination process will include review of the application and possibly a telephone interview with the applicant and/or individual signing the endorsement letter.

Grant Selection Notification

All applicants will be notified in writing of funding decisions by March 31, 2009.

For those organizations who are awarded funding, a formal grant agreement will be sent for their acceptance. Upon receiving a signed copy of this document, the Mercy Caritas Committee will release grant funds.

Due to staffing constraints, the Committee is not able to provide feedback to applicants not selected for funding.

Grant Application Operational Accountability
Grantee will be required to complete mid-year and end-of-year evaluation reports detailing the use of all funds and reporting progress made toward achieving program objectives. Continued funding will not be considered if the evaluation report has not been received by the Mercy Caritas Committee.

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