The Mission of CRS Rice Bowl
CRS Rice Bowl is the Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services, the official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Rooted in the history of the Eucharistic Congress, CRS Rice Bowl invites Catholics and faith communities in the United States to encounter God and our global family throughout Lent by practicing the pillars of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in more than 120 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the local diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. Since its inception in 1975, CRS Rice Bowl has raised more than $350 million.
(source: https://www.crsricebowl.org/about)
Application
Non-for-profit organizations in the Rockford Diocese may submit applications to the CRS Rice Bowl Program for creative projects dealing with domestic hunger among the poor. This includes projects such as direct feeding programs through food pantries and cooperatives and nutrition education programs. The clear purpose of the CRS Rice Bowl Program is to feed the hungry.
As a rule, the maximum amount per grant is $1,000. The deadline for submitting an application is Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. After a period of evaluation and recommendation by the Rockford Diocese Allocation Advisory Committee, a final decision will be made.
Please complete the application and provide the additional financial information requested. Please limit your additional information to a maximum of two pages. If possible, please submit THREE copies of your application. To mail the application with supporting documentation, please send it to Charlene Croyle at Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 7044, Rockford, IL 61125.
To email the application with supporting documentation, please email [email protected]. Please click and download the electronic version of the Application.