Hilton Fund for Sisters is supporting the apostolic works of Catholic sisters in their service to underserved populations.
Eligibility & Application
We are able to accept only those requests that are submitted using the online Grant Application through GOapply. Before starting the application process, please be sure to carefully read all of the information below.
A request for funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters (HFS) must be presented by a vowed member of a women’s religious congregation that is officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church’s office of CICLSAL (Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life) and has completed the ad experimentum period. At this time, we do not accept Public Association of Faithful.
Recipient must also qualify in one of the following categories:
- 1.This project is staffed full-time by at least one sister who must work a minimum of 30 hours per week and be willing to act as the designated Primary Sister Contact. OR
- 2.Two or more sisters must be significantly involved in the project. They must contribute a total of a minimum of 30 hours per week. OR
- 3.If the project is for a ministry begun by a women’s religious congregation, but there are no vowed members involved for a minimum of 30 hours, HFS may consider funding it. In her letter of support, the superior will need to attest to the congregation’s continued governance and oversight of the project and describe the level of the congregation’s current involvement in the organization / project.
- The letter of support for the application process requires that the recommending superior furnish the bank account information for receipt of the funds. HFS will distribute the funds to the congregation on behalf of the ministry.
- Restrictions
- 1. Funding requests for more than $25,000 will not be considered.
- 2. Funds are not granted to address needs internal to a particular congregation, such as:
- a.Formation programs, including both initial and ongoing programs
- b.Support of retired sisters
- c.Operation of a novitiate, motherhouse or retirement center
- d.Convent (sisters’ living quarters) construction or repairs
- e.Formal education of sisters
- f. Funds are not granted for the following purposes:
- g. Construction, repairs, renovations, utilities, and rent
- h. Purchase of vehicles (with the exception of motorbikes and ambulances, funding contribution not to exceed $25,000)
- i. Compensation for any employee, sister or lay, of the organization and / or project. This includes salaries, stipends, honoraria, bonuses, incentives or any other kind of remuneration.
- j. Payment of tuition or school fees of specific students
- k. Repayment of incurred debts
- l. Contributions to endowments or capital campaigns
- m. Purchase of land or buildings
- n. Funds are not granted to the following kinds of organizations or projects:
- o. Retreat or prayer centers, retreats or spirituality programs, catechetics or other evangelization projects
- p. Diocesan or parish programs or schools in the United States or other countries with a ranking index of .7 or greater [Very High or High] on the United Nations Human Development Index
- q. Well-established organizations with large operating budgets (more than $2,000,000)
Deadline: The Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters (HFS) has 3 grant cycles. Deadlines for applications each year are: Feburary 1, 2025, June 1, 2025 and October 1, 2025. For more information and to apply, go to: https://www.hiltonfundforsisters.org/
