Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Foundation of the Diocese of Edmundston Inc.

The Foundation of the Diocese of Edmundston Inc. was established in 2006 following a major diocesan financial campaign held in 2003‑2004. Its purpose is to administer the capital raised and to generate sustainable income to support the pastoral life of the Diocese of Edmundston in New Brunswick. As a non‑profit corporation under New Brunswick law, the foundation manages a dedicated fund whose investment returns are used to finance pastoral services and larger diocesan projects rather than drawing down the capital.

The foundation’s primary beneficiaries are diocesan entities and parish communities. The documents indicate three major axes of financial support: assistance to parishes facing financial needs, the creation and maintenance of a fund for diocesan pastoral projects, and contributions to the restoration and upkeep of the Edmundston Cathedral. More broadly, the foundation underpins sectors such as youth and family ministry, sacramental preparation, pastoral care of the sick, adult faith education, social justice initiatives, liturgy, vocations, missions, social communications, and support for pastoral agents and workers.

The board of directors is tasked with ensuring that the funds entrusted to the foundation earn the best possible return, are managed prudently, and are allocated to the diocese’s major pastoral projects. The board examines and approves the annual budget presented by the diocesan coordinator of pastoral services and reviews financial statements prepared by the foundation’s accountant. Part of the capital from the original campaign was earmarked for specific purposes—parish support, cathedral restoration, and a special fund for pastoral projects—illustrating a structured but discretionary funding mandate.

The foundation relies both on the original capital from the major financial campaign and on ongoing charitable contributions from individuals and families. Donors are invited to contribute through one‑time or annual donations, planned gifts, bequests, life insurance policies, and donations of investment income or shares. The objective is to maintain a substantial capital base so that long‑term investment income can cover a significant portion of diocesan pastoral expenditures, while periodic campaigns address gaps between annual needs and returns generated.

The corporation is governed by an administrative council of at least seven members drawn from all pastoral zones of the diocese, meeting at least twice a year. An annual assembly adopts the financial statements, receives the auditor’s report, elects administrators, and decides on other legal matters. This governance structure aims to ensure regional representation, financial transparency, and responsible stewardship of the funds entrusted to the foundation for the ongoing support of the Church’s mission in the Edmundston area.