The Living the Faith Grant Cycle is the Catholic Community Foundation’s annual open application grant process.
Parishes in the Diocese of San Jose are invited to apply for grants in 7 areas of work.
On This Page
2026 Application
Application Opens: Monday, February 16
Application Closes: Friday, March 13
NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Log into the online portal to access the application. If you have never logged in, you must register.
If the above button does not work, copy and paste this URL: https://cfoscc.spectrumportal.net/accounts/signin
Questions?
Please reach out to our Grants Program Manager
Additional Information
Informational Webinar Recording
Watch the recorded webinar about the Living the Faith grant cycle and application. The webinar reviews the application categories, process, and granting guidelines.
Pastors, parish staff and volunteers are encouraged to watch and learn more about how to apply for grants.
What are Living the Faith Grants?
Once a year, the Foundation offers grants to parishes in the Diocese of San José via an open application process. Parishes are invited to submit an application detailing plans for programs that fall into seven categories. Based on the merit of applications, parishes will be awarded grant money to use for the upcoming fiscal year.
This grant cycle replaces what was previously known as the Spring Grant Cycle. Our goals for this process are:
- A simple application process to make receiving grants efficient and less time consuming
- Aligning our grant categories with the work already being done at parishes around the Pastoral Plan
- Creating greater impact for the community through an increased emphasis on collaborative programs and focusing on parishes with more financial need
We are proud to implement this grant process in close partnership with the Diocese of San José. We look forward to the positive impact this process will have on our local parishes, and we encourage all participants to give us feedback.
*New* in 2026
- Parishes will now submit TWO applications
- One application for six categories aligned with the Pastoral Plan
- One application for Parish Outreach
- The Final Report is no longer required
- CCF still welcomes you to submit photos from your program
Grant Cycle Highlights
TWO Applications per Parish
Each parish can submit two applications. Multiple individuals may add to/edit the applications, but only the pastor will be able to submit the applications for his parish.
- One application includes six categories aligned with the Pastoral Plan.
- One application includes only the Parish Outreach category
Grant Category Definitions
The grant category definitions were crafted to align with the Pastoral Plan of the Diocese. There is significant overlap in the Foundation’s grant categories and the work of the Pastoral Plan, so this application is crafted to highlight those intersections.
Emphasis on Collaboration
There is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between parishes. If your parish has plans to work closely with other parishes on a joint program, there is room in the application to describe the partnership and potentially be awarded additional funding for collaborative programs.
Grant Categories
Every parish is welcome to apply for funding in all seven key areas. We grant to programs that fall under the specific sub-categories listed.
Evangelization
We are called to share the Good News by encountering and listening to those currently not engaged in practicing the Faith. Grants from this category will fund efforts to reach out to and dialogue with those who are not practicing the Faith and help them re-experience God’s love through Catholicism.
Family Ministry
Parents & Support
Families are the heartbeat of both our community and the Church. Grants from this category will fund programs for marriage prep and infant baptism and beyond, expanding family ministry to include marriage support and Christian parenting insights.
Formation
Prayer, Initiation, Spiritual Growth, & Education
Faith formation should serve all ages, equipping people to respond to each phase of life in light of the Gospel. Formation enriches growth in one’s prayer life, strengthens one’s personal relationship with the Lord, and deepens one’s understanding of the Church’s teachings.
Music
Music provides a reverent and joyful worship experiences that deepens our connection with Christ and his people. Joyful, engaging music lifts the spirits of the faithful. Grants in this category help parishes put their best efforts into helping the People of God experience the presence of Christ in Word and Sacrament through music.
Parish Outreach
Jesus tells us to help our brothers and sisters in need as if they were Christ in disguise. Grants support programs which serve underserved communities and perform corporal works of mercy – feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, etc.
Worship
Welcoming & Eucharist
As the primary way most people experience the Church, Masses should deepen our connection with Christ and his people. True communion with God and with each other demands that we put our best efforts into helping the People of God experience the presence of Christ in Word and Sacrament.
Youth and Young Adults
Engagement & Training
Young people are not just the future; they’re the energetic present of our Church, ready to spread Jesus’s message of love and hope. Programs in this category strive to walk with young people as they develop their relationship with Jesus Christ, discover that God does have a plan for them, and experience the deep joy and peace that are found in embracing His plan.
Application Process
- Applications must be submitted online
- One application per parish (you can apply for all five categories in the same application)
- Pastor must be the one to approve/submit the application
Who Can Apply?
Every parish in the Diocese of San José may submit one application. The single application includes space to request money from every grant category, so every parish may request funding from all five program areas.
Pastors must be the one to submit/approve his parish’s application. Other online users may add to/edit the application before it is submitted.