Priorities Fund01 Oct 20

Priorities Fund update

The Priorities Fund Committee has been considering ways in which it could support the dioceses through this difficult period by easing financial pressures.  In partnership with the RCB, a grant of €10,000 was made available to each diocese in March to help with establishing online communications.

The committee is expecting a reduced number of applications in October 2020 as it will be challenging for parishes to consider new projects and ministries at this time.  The closing date for applications, as before, is 31st October.

Due to an anticipated reduction in grants released, the fund may not need the same income for the 2020 financial year, and the committee has therefore agreed to reduce the level of contributions required from the dioceses.  The contribution target for each diocese will remain the same but it is proposed that each diocese should only contribute 50% of its target amount in 2020 and 75% in 2021. Full contributions from all dioceses are envisaged in 2022 as a more normal routine returns.

The Priorities Fund Committee wishes to help and encourage each diocese and parish through the exceptional challenges they face at present.