Msgr. Joseph Mancuso Catholic Education Grant Program

Fr. Joseph Weber, Jr., Chairman

Catholic education has long been a priority of the Missouri State Knights of Columbus. In 1984, Msgr. Joseph Mancuso launched a campaign to establish a $1,000,000 trust fund to support Catholic education throughout the state. Since 1990, interest from that fund has provided more than $780,000 in grants to Catholic schools and parish-based religious education programs.

For the 2026–2027 fraternal year, the program will award $40,000 in grants and received a record 115 applications from programs across Missouri’s four dioceses. Eligible applicants include Catholic preschools, parochial schools, vacation Bible schools, high schools, and K–12 religious education programs. Grants are available in amounts of $500 or $1,000. Applications must be submitted online through the State Council website by March 1; late applications will not be accepted. Questions about the online form, which is at the bottom of this page, should be directed to Fr. Weber or Director John Clarke.

Grant Criteria when submitting your application:

• The project addresses a clearly Catholic dimension of education and remains in conformity with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

• It benefits a significant number of students or other participants.

• It shows promise of continuing after the initial funding is used.

• It supplements or expands existing services rather than simply replacing them.

• It could be replicated in other Catholic educational settings.

• It clearly explains both the need for the project and the local inability to meet that need without assistance.

• It will be implemented by qualified personnel with appropriate experience.

• It includes a complete budget and does not request overhead expenses unless it is a new project.

• It demonstrates a local matching effort whenever possible, whether financial or otherwise.

Grant Application Form