Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund

About the BCAF

The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund is a not-for-profit organization within the Catholic Church in New Hampshire. The Fund enables the Bishop of Manchester, through a board of directors, to make grants to not-for-profit organizations without regard to religious affiliation for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs. Volunteer lay men and women, who serve as Directors, make recommendations to the Bishop of Manchester for grants with an emphasis on meeting basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, heat and other necessities. The grants go to organizations in New Hampshire whose mission and operations are consistent with the mission of the Roman Catholic Church.

BCAF Reception

On Thursday, September 7, nearly 400 guests joined Bishop Libasci for his annual Summer Reception, marking the end of a successful campaign for the Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund.  Some $220,000 was raised, funds that will go directly to non-profit agencies serving the most vulnerable citizens of our state.

See Photo Gallery

Make a Donation and Buy Tickets

Make a donation to the BCAF and buy tickets for the Bishop’s Reception using the PayPal button below. For every $500 donation, two tickets will be provided to attend the Bishop’s Reception on Thursday, September 6, 6-9 pm, at St. Pius X Parish, 575 Candia Road in Manchester, NH. If you have questions or would like to become a sponsor of the reception, please contact Melanie English at menglish@rcbm.org or (603) 663-0166.

BCAF Grants

Grant Applications

The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund is now accepting applications for grants for 2018. The BCAF gives preference to tax-exempt organizations that assist with basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing and home heating. Guidelines and instructions on how to apply are available through the BCAF grant application form.

The board meets quarterly to review grant applications. If your organization is interested in applying for a grant we need your request on September 19, 2018, December 19, 2018, March 20, 2019, and May 22, 2019.

Grant Recipients

View a list of BCAF grant recipients from October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2018.

View our 2018 BCAF Newsletter

Vita et Caritas Award

Apply now for the Vita et Caritas Award presented to a non-profit organization’s volunteer who makes significant contributions to the organization. This award, which includes a grant to the organization, honors the memory of Ruthie Ford, whose life reflected tireless dedication to service to help women, children and families. Read more about the Vita Caritas Award.

Board of Directors

The BCAF has a volunteer board of directors that is responsible for both raising funds and reviewing and approving grant applications.