Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Pastoral Foundation of the Diocese of Nicolet (FPDN)

The Pastoral Foundation of the Diocese of Nicolet (FPDN) is a faith-based charitable foundation serving the Centre-du-Québec region. Its mandate is to promote, maintain and develop pastoral activities throughout the diocesan territory. To do so, it raises funds from individuals, businesses and partners, and redistributes this financial support to diocesan services, parishes and community organizations involved in pastoral and social outreach.

The foundation focuses particularly on three dimensions: community work, youth and people in precarious situations. Examples highlighted on the site include support for the youth camp “Les Aventuriers de la vie” for 10–14 year olds, including youth with mild disabilities, participation in World Youth Day 2023, and assistance to Halte Saint‑Joseph in Drummondville, a resource for people experiencing homelessness or isolation which also provides a winter warming centre.

The FPDN operates both through structured financial assistance and more targeted bursaries. A dedicated “Forms” section provides online access to a financial aid application form, allowing parishes, diocesan services or partner organizations to request support for concrete projects on the territory. A separate “Engagement jeunesse” bursary application form is aimed at encouraging and recognizing youth commitment by providing specific bursaries.

Funds collected during annual and special fundraising campaigns, such as the diocesan financing campaign or the “Golftember” golf tournaments held in various regions, are reinvested locally. The foundation explicitly mentions that these amounts are used to support projects benefiting vulnerable groups: homeless people, immigrants, youth, seniors and people who are ill or isolated. Projects can be pastoral, educational, humanitarian or community in nature, as long as they align with the diocese’s pastoral mission.

The foundation is overseen by a board of directors that includes the diocesan bishop, clergy and lay members, supported by a general director and administrative staff. Its values — innovation, collaboration and transparency — guide the way it manages donated funds and accompanies project leaders across the territory. A “reddition de compte” (reporting) form is also available, encouraging funded groups to account for how grants have been used, thereby reinforcing good governance and accountability.

Through these mechanisms, the Pastoral Foundation of the Diocese of Nicolet acts as a key financial and pastoral partner for parishes and organizations in Centre‑du‑Québec, helping them to launch or maintain projects that foster faith, solidarity and the dignity of every person.