Catenian Association Bursary Fund Limited

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £70,300 (2011/2012: £50,500 for individual projects + £19,800 for Lourdes awards)
• Success Rate: Approximately 74% (240 projects funded from 323 applications received in partial year 2012)
• Decision Time: Trustees meet every 2 months (6 times per year)
• Grant Range: £75 - £1,000
• Geographic Focus: International (UK, Ireland, Malta, Australia, South Africa, and developing countries worldwide)

Contact Details

Website: www.catenianbursary.com

Email: secretary@catenianbursary.com

Phone: 02476 224533

Address: Unit 5 Oak Court, Pilgrims Walk, Prologis Park, Coventry CV6 4QH

Overview

The Catenian Association Bursary Fund Limited was established in 1980 and is registered as charity number 1081143. Since formation, the fund has distributed over £1 million to support young Catholics aged 16-25 from around the world. The fund is entirely supported by members of the Catenian Association, a Catholic organization dedicated to promoting friendship and strengthening Catholic family life, receiving no external financial support. The fund's mission is straightforward: “Helping young Catholics help others” by providing financial support to young people embarking on volunteer projects that benefit others. Each year, the fund supports hundreds of projects, distributing over £50,000 annually. The trustees have set an ambitious goal to increase the number of awards made to young Catholics by one hundred percent over a five-year period.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Project Award: £75 - £1,000

Supports young Catholics volunteering individually to help those less fortunate in developing countries and communities in need. Projects must last a minimum of 15 full working days but can extend up to a year. Applications accepted on a rolling basis via online portal, with applications required at least 60 days before project start date.

Lourdes Pilgrimage Award: Amount varies

Supports young Catholics who travel to Lourdes, France, to work as helpers or support staff with HCPT (Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust) or Diocesan pilgrimages. Applications accepted on a rolling basis via online portal at la.catenianbursary.com.

Priority Areas

• Voluntary projects in developing countries that benefit disadvantaged communities
• Service to sick and disabled pilgrims in Lourdes
• Projects aligned with Christian and Catholic principles
• Community-based projects both at home and abroad
• Work with marginalized indigenous populations

What They Don't Fund

• Educational course expenses (e.g., medical electives as part of degree programs)
• Full project costs (grants are contributions only, not full funding)
• Retrospective grants for projects already completed
• Projects shorter than the minimum duration requirements

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Governance and Leadership

Chairman: Graham Green (Grimsby)

Secretary to the Trustees: Dr. Karol Grabowski (Mansfield & Dukeries area, appointed 2024)

Board of Trustees:

• Kevin Campbell
• David William Arundale
• Kevin O'Sullivan
• Habib Karam
• Andrew Paul Smith
• Karol Franciszek-Maria Grabowski
• Jean Harkin
• Kevin Anthony McKenna
• Charles Joseph Boulton

Dr. Karol Grabowski brings extensive educational leadership experience, having previously served as a headteacher and university tutor at the University of Nottingham.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Individual Project Award: Complete the online application form at catenianbursary.com/apply-now/. The application takes approximately 10 minutes and requires:

• Personal details confirming Catholic faith and age (16-25 on travel date)
• Detailed project information including dates, location, aims, and activities
• Description of benefits to recipients and applicant
• Explanation of how project aligns with Christian/Catholic principles
• Contact details for Project Organizer and referees

Lourdes Award: Apply via the dedicated portal at la.catenianbursary.com with confirmation of:

• Catholic faith or membership in a faith in full communion with Rome
• Age between 16-25, or in year 11 becoming 16 by 31st August of pilgrimage year
• Role as helper or support staff with HCPT or Diocesan pilgrimage

Decision Timeline

Trustees meet six times per year (every two months) to review applications. Applicants should allow sufficient time by applying at least 60 days before their project start date.

Success Rates

Based on available data from 2011/2012:

• Individual Projects: 240 projects funded with total distribution of £50,500
• Lourdes Awards: 546 young workers supported at total cost of £19,800
• Approximate success rate of 74% or higher

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is publicly documented. Contact the fund directly via secretary@catenianbursary.com for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Project Design Requirements:

• Projects must demonstrate “clear benefit for others as well as widening your life experience”
• Must align with Christian and Catholic principles
• Duration matters: Minimum 15 full working days for Individual Projects
• Each application is “considered on its merits”

Successful Project Examples:

• Matteo Fasoli received £400 to spend two months in Cuzco, Peru, helping those with no family or adequate living conditions
• Adam (19, Manchester) volunteered with the MS Africa Mercy crew
• Projects supported include work in Malaysia, Africa, and South America
• Cardoner Project participants working with marginalized indigenous people receive support

Key Application Principles:

• Carefully read project duration guidance provided with the application form
• Provide thorough details about how the project benefits recipients
• Articulate personal development benefits alongside service to others
• Ensure referees are properly contacted and willing to support your application
• Allow adequate time for processing (apply at least 60 days in advance)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Catenian connection required: The fund is open to all eligible young Catholics worldwide
• High success rate: With approximately 74% of applicants receiving funding, this is an accessible fund for eligible young people
• Plan ahead: Apply at least 60 days before your project start date; trustees meet every two months
• Partial funding model: Grants range from £75-£1,000 and are contributions only - demonstrate you have other funding sources
• Service focus is paramount: Emphasize the benefit to recipients and how your project embodies Catholic principles of service
• Two distinct pathways: Choose between Individual Project Award or Lourdes Award - don't confuse the two
• Post-project accountability: Be prepared to submit a project report after completion

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Blackfriars Overseas Aid Trust
• The Beatrice Laing Trust
• Irish Youth Foundation (UK) Limited
• Charles Plater Trust
• THE MAURICE AND HILDA LAING CHARITABLE TRUST
• The John Mason Family Trust
• Souter Charitable Trust
• Society of the Holy Child Jesus CIO
• The Kirby Laing Foundation
• The Grant Bradley Charitable Trust

References

1. Catenian Association Bursary Fund official website. Available at: https://catenianbursary.com/

1. Catenian Association Bursary Fund - Individual Project Award Application. Available at: https://catenianbursary.com/apply-now/

1. Catenian Association Bursary Fund - Lourdes Awards. Available at: https://la.catenianbursary.com/

1. The Charity Commission for England and Wales. “CATENIAN ASSOCIATION BURSARY FUND LIMITED - Charity Number 1081143.” Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1081143

1. Companies House. “THE CATENIAN ASSOCIATION BURSARY FUND LIMITED - Company Number 02468843.” Available at: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02468843

1. The Catenian Association Member Website. “Catenian Bursary Fund.” Available at: https://thecatenians.com/catenian-bursary-fund/

1. Catenian Province 19. “Example of where the Bursary Fund has helped.” Available at: https://www.cateniansprovince19.org.uk/bursaryFund.php

1. LinkedIn. “Dr Karol Grabowski - Secretary to the Trustees, The Catenian Association Bursary Fund Ltd.”

1. Salisbury Catenians. “BURSARY.” Available at: https://www.salisburycatenians.org/bursary-grants