"We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Jn 9:4 – 9

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Highlights from CCUSA

The 2022 CCUSA Annual Survey Is Now Live! 

Catholic Charities staff have until COB Friday, April 14, 2023, to complete their agency submissions, including the CLINIC Affiliate Survey on Immigration Legal Services. Please reach out to Kerry Glova for any questions, technical assistance or requests for additional survey links. CCUSA is grateful for your efforts in making this critical reporting initiative a success.

Events and Webinars

CCUSA Community Agriculture Gathering. June 13 and 14, 2023, in Louisville, KY

CCUSA is hosting a two-day program on community agriculture from June 13 – 14, 2023, (ending at noon) in Louisville, KY. The gathering is inspired by Community Gardens Feed Communities: Catholic Charities Farms for the Future, a CCUSA article showcasing six agricultural programs across the country, and will highlight program models, planning processes, partnerships, land acquisition, entrepreneurial opportunities and other key topics.

We are accepting applications from agencies that would like to participate in the program. Participation will be limited to 15 member agencies that are either currently engaged in this work and would like to grow and diversify their program, or others that hope to launch in the near future.

CCUSA has limited scholarships to support the meeting. Please know that the travel stipend may not fully cover the cost of travel. A second staff is welcome, but would need to be funded by their local agency.

Applications are due Monday, March 27, 2023, and notification of award will be no later than April 5. Please reach out to Jane Stenson (work: 703 236-6237 or cell: 703 283-2427) or Julieta Machado (work: 703-549-1390 ext. 283 or cell: 301-520-8857) with any questions or to request an application.

Outsmarting Poverty. April 13 and 14, 2023, in South Bend, IN

CUSA is committed to building evidence about what works to reduce poverty in America. The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame, a domestic poverty lab that helps social service providers apply scientific evaluation methods to better understand and share effective poverty interventions is hosting a 2-day event this spring to convene poverty-fighters from across the country for a time of learning and connection. Learn more and register.

The 2023 CCUSA Management Excellence Award Is Now Open for Nominations! 

Through the Management Excellence Award, Catholic Charities USA (in conjunction with the Management and Administration Section Steering Committee) recognizes exceptional managers or supervisors within the Catholic Charities network who are: Leading their teams in inspiring and engaging ways; supporting the professional growth of their team members; keeping the focus on quality service and alignment with the mission and values of Catholic Charities; successfully navigating changes in the workplace; and integrating diversity, equity and inclusion strategies.

The Management Excellence Award will be awarded to ONE manager or supervisor using selection criteria based on 5 overarching categories: 

• Leadership
• Innovation
• Engagement
• Commitment
• Data-driven 

The recipient of the 2023 Management Excellence Award will be highlighted via CCUSA’s social media channels, website and at the CCUSA Annual Gathering. To nominate a colleague, complete this submission form no later than COB Friday, April 14, 2023. Please email Peggy Arizzi with any questions.

Foundation for Financial Planning Grants Available for Nonprofit Organizations

The Foundation for Financial Planning is accepting grant applications until April 30, 2023, from nonprofit organizations whose programs link pro bono financial planners to people in need. Programs should include one-on-one engagements between Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professionals and pro bono clients. Grants are generally in the range of $5,000 to $40,000. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Nonprofits seeking to connect with CFP professionals who want to provide free, no-strings-attached financial planning and advice to underserved populations can register on FFP’s Pro Bono Planner Match website. On Pro Bono Planner Match, nonprofits can post volunteer opportunities that engage financial planners in one-on-one or interactive, small group (virtual or in-person) sessions with people in need. For more information, please contact Rachel Roth.

O'Grady Advanced Leadership Institute (2.0): Discounted Registration Open

Register now to attend the Catholic Charities USA O’Grady Advanced Leadership Institute, to be held May 22 – 26, 2023, at CCUSA’s O’Grady Conference Center in Alexandria, VA. The Institute offers an in-depth consideration of Catholic teachings that undergird Catholic Charities’ services, how Catholic moral methodologies can shape strategic planning and other subjects essential for effective leadership of a Catholic organization operating within an ethnically diverse and religiously pluralistic culture. It is designed for Catholic Charities agency directors, other senior leaders and those who have completed the foundational (1.0) O’Grady Leadership Institute (either virtually or in-person). Early action is encouraged, as space is limited. Thanks to generous donors, registration is offered at the discounted rate of $1,100, which includes hotel and meals. Learn more and register.

CCUSA's Virtual O'Grady Leadership Institue (1.0) — Registration Open!

This program is intended exclusively for Catholic Charities professionals and is presented by experts at Catholic Charities USA. It offers a unique opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of the knowledge and skills essential for effective Catholic Charities leadership and integrates leadership and management with theology and spirituality. Content will explore Catholic social and moral teaching, ethical decision-making, public policy and the Church, racism and poverty, and how to understand one’s leadership as a person with a role within a system. 2023’s virtual program will be offered from June 22 – 23 and 26 – 28, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM ET each day. Click here to register and for a full program description.