Office of Social Ministry at 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806-3143 US - CCHD Mission

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the national program of the Catholic Church that works to eliminate poverty in the United States.  It serves as the largest private funder of anti-poverty programs initiated and led by poor people in the United States.  Established in 1970 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Campaign helps Catholics to put into action both Scripture and the Catholic social teaching.

CCHD’s mission is twofold: (1) to raise funds that support organized groups of poor and low-income people working to develop economic strength and political power, and (2) to educate Catholics about the need to implement the Church’s social teaching by addressing poverty in the United States and promoting a greater sense of solidarity with the poor.

CCHD is unique because the projects it supports are controlled by the poor and low-income people they serve.  The Campaign’s goal is to build community empowerment by helping individuals and families to help themselves. The promotion of solidarity among people of different social and economic backgrounds is also a key objective.  All funded projects must involve grantees in developing a sense of self-determination that counteracts the attitudes, habits, and structures that perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

For 35 years, the Campaign has served as a significant vehicle for social change in the United States by addressing the root causes of poverty and empowering those it serves. CCHD supports community-controlled organizations that create jobs, businesses, affordable housing, child care, and many other solutions to poverty.

Each November Catholic parishes throughout the United States take up a special collection that funds CCHD programs at the national level.  Information about these grants can be obtained at www.usccb.org/cchd.   25% of this collection is retained by the local diocese to fund programs within the diocese.  Within the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau these funds are administered by the Office of Social Ministry.  The actual decisions about grant allocations are made by the diocesan Peace and Justice Commission.

For 2010 grant applications must be received by the Office of Social Ministry by March 31, 2010.  Applicants will be notified by mid April 2010.

CCHD 2010 Grant Application Form