Catholic Foundation Hosts Grant Writing Workshop to Strengthen Local Ministries

Strong grant proposals can open doors to new opportunities for Catholic ministries. To help organizations strengthen their applications and better tell their stories, the Catholic Foundation of Michigan recently welcomed more than 50 leaders from parishes, schools, and nonprofit organizations for its annual Grant Writing Workshop.

Made possible through the generosity of Catholic Foundation donors and the support of Alliance Catholic Credit Union, the workshop was offered at no cost to both first-time applicants and seasoned grant seekers. “The Foundation’s commitment goes beyond grant funding. We also want to provide ministries with the education, resources, and practical tools they need to strengthen their work and grow their impact,” shared John F. Biskner, the Foundation’s President & CEO.

The workshop was led by Dr. Sigrid Streit, Professor of English at the University of Detroit Mercy and an experienced grant writer and educator. She shared practical strategies for understanding a funder’s priorities, communicating community need, developing measurable outcomes, and creating realistic project budgets.

Beyond the practical guidance, the workshop created space for participants to exchange ideas and build connections with fellow nonprofit and ministry leaders from across Southeast Michigan. For many, the value of the morning was found not only in the information shared, but also in learning alongside others committed to serving their communities.

During one interactive activity, participants were invited to describe what inspires their ministry in a single word. Responses such as hope, compassion, healing, dignity, service, faith, and community served as a reminder of the shared mission that brought organizations together.

The Catholic Foundation is grateful to Alliance Catholic Credit Union for hosting the workshop, to Dr. Streit for sharing her expertise, and to everyone who joined us for a morning dedicated to strengthening ministries through effective grant writing.

As the Foundation continues to expand its grantmaking efforts, workshops like these help ensure ministries have the knowledge and confidence to pursue funding opportunities that strengthen their communities and advance the mission of the Church.

By investing in the people and organizations serving our communities, donors help strengthen Catholic ministries long before a grant is awarded—creating a lasting impact across Southeast Michigan.