The Sharing God’s Gifts Pastoral Grant Program has completed its pilot phase and opened a new round of applications, while simultaneously launching a companion transportation grant program for youth ministry.

The program concept, first announced in November 2024, accepted applications in early February. Fully funded by the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal, Thirty-five parishes were awarded $376,268.74 in grants to support ministry projects in the inaugural, pilot round of applications. Officials plan to visit the recipient parishes in the coming months to assess the impact of the new pastoral initiatives.

Applications for the second round opened Monday, May 12, 2025, at sharinggodsgifts.org. Parishes can now submit proposals for projects aligned with the program’s goals. The deadline for submissions is June 29. Decisions will be announced the week of August 18, with grant disbursement taking place on September 5.

The Review Committee used insights from the pilot phase to develop new, simplified guidelines for grant applications, making it easier for parishes to prepare proposals that align with the program’s mission.

Funding primarily supports new, innovative pastoral initiatives, though expansion of existing programs will also be considered. The Review Committee particularly encourages parishes to collaborate to create sustainable, impactful ministry programs that can reach a broader community.

Youth Day transportation grants launch

A New York Catholic Youth Day Transportation Grant Program also launched on Monday, available on the Sharing God’s Gifts website. The program, also funded by the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal, helps parishes offset transportation costs for youth and students attending New York Catholic Youth Day 2025, scheduled for September 27-28.

New York Catholic Youth Day is an annual event that gathers hundreds of teens from throughout the archdiocese for a day filled with inspirational talks, lively music, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Mass with Cardinal Dolan, and service opportunities.

The grant program aims to reduce the financial burden on families and increase access for more young people to participate in the faith-filled weekend event. All parishes are eligible to apply for the transportation grants.