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NFCYM Drexel Project Grant

  • Writer: NRVC
    NRVC
  • 1 hour ago
  • 4 min read

Data shows that young people who have experienced a sacred moment tend to report higher rates of belonging, flourishing, and life satisfaction.--Source: NFCYM Drexel Project, 2026



The NRVC was one of six organizations awarded a Drexel Project grant of $125,000 from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) to explore creative and impactful ways to address the urgent needs of local neighborhoods, particularly in under-resourced areas, and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the world!

NRVC is excited to radiate continuity and hope to build upon the everyday parish settings where youth naturally gather because trust and connection already exist. This grant shifts from programs to networks to focus on relationships through service immersion experiences designed by the voices and ideas of high school teen leaders (protagonists) working together with NRVC members (champions) and parish companions (employee, volunteer, or parent).


What this means for NRVC members - YOU!

As part of this grant, NRVC will provide 25 micro-grants of $3,000 each for selected applicants intended for materials to complete a service project with theological reflection. Every NRVC member who is in compliance with Safe Environment Standards is eligible to apply. NRVC will also create and design a new theological reflection resource (English and Spanish) featuring the spiritualities of each participating religious institute, scripture stories of call, quotes from patron saints and teen leaders, and theological reflection questions. As part of the evaluation process, each parish team will also record a 4-minute testimonial video of their intergenerational experience, which will be published on NRVC’s YouTube Channel and social media platforms.



How do I apply?

Before you apply, NRVC members are required to partner with nearby parishes where you reside or minister. Meet with at least 3 high school teen leaders from the parish and at least one adult parishioner (volunteer, staff and/or parent) who is currently updated in Safe Environment Standards. Each person must complete this Spiritual Gifts Inventory and discern together the types of service possible in their neighborhood to be completed within 30 days between December and February. As part of this discernment, the NRVC member introduces the charism, spirituality, and patron saints of the religious institute. There are no service hour requirements, the team must decide together the type of meaningful service and population served in the United States. After a decision has been made, the NRVC member will complete the application, highlighting quotes from patron saints/founders, teen leaders, and five questions for theological reflection to deepen the connection between service and faith. All applicants are highly encouraged to preview the application with the team to gather all the information needed to complete the application.


OCTOBER 1, 2026: NRVC Micro-grant applications are due to the National Office.


OCTOBER 15, 2026: NRVC will select 25 diverse parish teams ensuring diversity in geographic areas, types of religious life, and service projects. Each team will receive a $3,000 microgrant for resources for planning, carrying out the service, and engaging in theological reflection together (such materials, logistical needs, and support required to ensure the successful completion of the service activity).



What does the $3,000 micro-grant cover?

Micro-grants can be used for engaging additional teens, families, and religious community members in carrying out the service project. This includes:

  • Materials or supplies needed for the service project

  • Transportation, food, or site costs

  • Training or formation materials/presentations for adults and teens

  • Accessibility adaptations or translation of project resources

  • Costs associated with one theological reflection gathering and meal at your religious institute in March 2027

  • Modest technology or media costs associated with video recording in March 2027


Micro-grants do not fund pre-existing, recurring, international, or previously planned service projects. They fund only those projects newly discerned using application criteria and expected outcomes. The grants do NOT fund the following expenses:

  • Major capital expenses or general parish/religious institute operating costs

  • Salaries or stipends for volunteering

  • Monetary donation to an organization or person in need

  • Jackets, shirts, gift cards, or other memorabilia that would reward participant involvement

  • Any project without a clear plan of service with theological reflection.

  • Projects driven solely by adults without meaningful teen leadership.



Time Commitment After Selection

NOVEMBER 21, 2026: NRVC will provide a 3-hour workshop at Convocation for selected NRVC members to equip you with the necessary tools to meet grant requirements, ensuring consistency and quality across all teams. NRVC will give the first payment of $1500 at this workshop. The second half of the micro-grant payment will be made after the submission of the mid-period parish team progress report.


DECEMBER 1, 2026 – FEBRUARY 28, 2027: Teams complete their service within 30 days while reflecting on their five theological questions submitted in their application.


MARCH 3, 2027: On the Feast of Saint Katharine Drexel, all micro grant participants will be invited to share their insights and learnings in an evening Zoom conversation, which will include breakouts for teen leaders, parish companions, and NRVC champions.


MARCH 4-30, 2027: sing the new NRVC theological reflection draft booklet, each parish team will gather to theologically reflect on their learnings and how their faith was deepened, preferably at the religious institute of the champion, to include time for communal prayer and a simple meal with the community. The team will be asked to provide feedback on the theological reflection booklet. Each parish team will create and record a 4-minute video with their insights and learnings.


APRIL to SEPTEMBER, 2027: From April until September, NRVC will format 25 videos and edit into 50 short reels. They will be published on the NRVC YouTube channel and social media. Parish Teams will be encouraged to share the videos on their social media platforms. NRVC will gather and collate the content from the videos and evaluations to write an article for HORIZON Journal. NRVC will edit the theological reflection booklet based on the feedback of the parish teams and publish the final version. Every micro-grant participant will receive copies of this new resource to share.



Apply Today


Use this link to view the application and to apply before October 1, 2026.


For more information, please contact Sister Debbie at debbiesscm@nrvc.net



 
 
 

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