Lay Continuing Education Fund

Current employees and volunteers of parishes, Maine Catholic schools, and diocesan offices are eligible to apply for a grant from the Lay Continuing Education & Formation Endowment Fund. In addition, parishes, Maine Catholic schools, diocesan offices, and affiliated organizations are also eligible to apply for a grant from the fund.

Funding is awarded for programs taking place from July 1 of a particular grant cycle through June 30 of the following year only, e.g., July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027 for FY27. 

Applications accepted for:

• Tuition for college and university courses or certificate programs from approved and accredited institutions in catechetics, theology, and religious studies or in a subject related to an individual's work as an employee or volunteer.

  • Individuals in ongoing degree or certificate programs may re-apply for funding in subsequent years; however, funding is not guaranteed for each year of a degree or certificate program.

  • Requests for funding in subsequent years will be considered upon verification of successful completion of academic work in the years previously funded.

  • Applicants who received funding for a degree or certificate program are not eligible for additional funding for three years after the completion of the degree or certificate program.
     

• Registration fees for approved seminars, conventions, or conferences related to an individual's work as an employee or volunteer or which foster adult faith formation or professional development.

  • Costs for travel, lodging, and meals (per diem) for the same out-of-state seminars, conventions, or conferences.

  • Applicants are eligible for such grants once in a three-year period.
     

• Start-up expenses for new initiatives related to faith formation activities for adults sponsored by parishes, schools, diocesan offices, or affiliated organizations. These entities may apply for ongoing start-up expenses in successive years.

  • Funding is not guaranteed after the first year.

  • Funding is limited to a maximum of three successive years of start-up expenses.

  • Future new initiatives will be considered three years after the last grant for a previous initiative.
     

• New or one-time training and education programs related to adult faith formation or professional development offered by parishes, schools, diocesan offices, and affiliated organizations for their own employees or volunteers.

Expenses not typically covered by grant funds:

• Books and materials for such seminars and classes as identified above.

• In-state travel, lodging, and meals to and from seminars, conventions, or class.

• Non-tuition fees for an academic or certificate program, such as application fees, student services fees, or room and board.

• Catechetical texts, series, or subscriptions.

• Any faith formation activities or materials related to children or youth.

• Capital expenses for equipment or devices.

• Primarily spiritual or devotional events or initiatives for parishioners at large, or liturgical training for parish liturgical ministers.

Applicants must complete the application form, which includes a breakdown of expenses related to the program and the following information:

Individuals

• Name of course, seminar or conference.

• Description of the course, seminar, or conference.

• Name of the applicant’s Sponsoring Institution or Organization.

• Brochure/Invoice showing course, seminar, or conference cost.

• Total cost of participation in out-of-state continuing education (lodging, meals, registration, etc.) including registration form, hotel rates, etc.

• Signature of the pastor in the case of a parish employee or volunteer, or the principal in the case of a Maine Catholic school employee or volunteer, or the immediate supervisor in the case of an employee or volunteer of a diocesan office

In addition to describing the activity and expenses, prepare short answers for these questions (one or two sentences maximum):

• Why are you pursuing this degree/certificate/activity? 

• How will the related course(s)/activity help you serve in ministry better or more effectively?

• FOR DEGREE/CERTIFICATE: Where are you in the process of completing this certificate (number of credits already completed, anticipated graduation month/year, etc.)?   

• FOR CONTINUING ED: How will your individual faith formation, ministerial or professional skills development in this activity contribute to the wider Church's ability to fulfill her mission?

Organizations

• Description of program, including number of people intended to serve

• Current operating budget for a new program including projected revenue and expenses

• Brochure/Invoice showing program cost if applicable

• Names of people who will be involved in leading the program

• Signature of pastor in the case of a request for a parish grant, the principal in the case of a request for a grant for a Maine Catholic school, or the department supervisor in the case of a request for a grant from a diocesan office or affiliated organization

In addition to describing the activity and expenses, prepare short answers these questions (one or two sentences maximum):

• Why is the organization hoping to offer this activity now?

• How will the faith formation, ministerial or professional skills development provided in this activity contribute to the organization's ability to fulfill the Church's mission locally?

• What impact will this activity have on the wider parish/school/diocese if successful?