Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund

Pictured above: The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, has once again named Alex and Lisa Walker the Co-Chairs of the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund for 2022.

Click on the logos below to learn more about these organizations.

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.

The 2022 Bishop’s Summer Reception to benefit the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund (BCAF) was held on September 8 on the grounds of St. Pius X Parish in Manchester. Attended by more than 300 guests, the Reception capped a successful campaign that raised more than $255,000. Now in its 37th year, the BCAF has raised and distributed more than $7,452,000 to assist organizations that improve the quality of life and provide the basic essentials for individuals and families in New Hampshire, especially the poor and disadvantaged. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Make a Donation

Make a donation to the BCAF using the form below. If you would like to mail in a donation, please make the check out to the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund, 153 Ash Street, Manchester, NH 03104. If you have questions, 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 2022-2023. 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 14, 2022, December 14, 2022, February 22, 2023, or April 19, 2023.

Grant Recipients

View a list of BCAF grant recipients from October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023.

View our 2022 BCAF Summer Newsletter

View our 2022 BCAF Winter Newsletter

Vita et Caritas Award

The Vita et Caritas Award is 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.