The Saint Joseph Community Health Foundation (SJCHF) is faith-based organization that awards a series of annual grants to other non-profit groups or agencies that provide mental, physical, or spiritual health services to the poor and underserved of Allen County. SJCHF is sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and was established in 1998 with funds from the sale of the St. Joseph Medical Center. Proceeds from SJCHF’s endowment are annually redistributed as grants, which can range from $5,000 to $35,000 per grant, that amount up to a total of around $1.3-million each year. To be eligible for a grant, groups or organizations applying must be not-for-profit and demonstrate that at least 51% of the clients they serve are very low income.
During my first two weeks at SJCHF, I have learned how their grant process works and gained quite a bit of insight into the organizations they work with. I was given the opportunity to look through the majority of the applications from last year from organizations that are expected to resubmit an application this year. The purpose of this was to find one or two organizations where I might be able to contribute my efforts and collaborate on a project with them. So far, I have narrowed my search down to four organizations I would like to potentially work with and will have the opportunity to do a sight visit and meet with the individuals involved with these non-profit groups. I am very excited to begin this adventure and am very hopeful that I can be of some assistance to these fantastic organizations. Once I am certain of the path I am taking in regards to my project, I will have much more to discuss.
During my first two weeks at SJCHF, I have learned how their grant process works and gained quite a bit of insight into the organizations they work with. I was given the opportunity to look through the majority of the applications from last year from organizations that are expected to resubmit an application this year. The purpose of this was to find one or two organizations where I might be able to contribute my efforts and collaborate on a project with them. So far, I have narrowed my search down to four organizations I would like to potentially work with and will have the opportunity to do a sight visit and meet with the individuals involved with these non-profit groups. I am very excited to begin this adventure and am very hopeful that I can be of some assistance to these fantastic organizations. Once I am certain of the path I am taking in regards to my project, I will have much more to discuss.