The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has awarded nearly 500 grants totaling over $19.5 million to aid the impoverished and marginalized both in the United States and internationally. These funds were collected from parishioner donations to five annual collections, as announced by Bishop Daniel H. Mueggenborg of Reno, chairman of the Committee on National Collections for the USCCB.

According to Bishop Mueggenborg, "Catholics across the United States help strengthen the faith and bring the Good News of Jesus to the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed." He also noted that these grants align with Pope Francis's theme for Jubilee 2025, "Pilgrimage of Hope," allowing Catholics to share a hopeful Gospel message globally.

Projects funded include supporting ministries and priestly vocations in U.S. mission dioceses and aiding economic development organizations combating poverty domestically. International efforts involve tackling human trafficking in Africa, assisting war victims in Ukraine, and rebuilding hurricane-damaged churches in Cuba.

The Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development approved 93 grants worth nearly $2.3 million for community and economic development projects aimed at enhancing access to housing and healthcare services nationwide. An additional three grants exceeding $275,000 support educational efforts about poverty causes within the USCCB Secretariat of Justice and Peace.

The Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions granted over $7.2 million to 73 dioceses lacking resources or population numbers needed for self-sustained ministry. This includes funding for pastoral staff training and scholarships for seminarians selected by bishops from mission dioceses.

Grants totaling more than $3.7 million were approved by the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe for addressing pastoral needs across 28 countries impacted by war or past communist oppression. Notably, a grant supports an organization aiding displaced persons in Ukraine.

For Latin America, 177 grants amounting to over $4.3 million were sanctioned by its respective subcommittee. A notable initiative includes a grant supporting prison ministry work within Ecuador's Littoral Prison amidst challenging conditions.

Overall, these efforts exemplify a commitment towards peace-building endeavors globally while fostering local community development through Catholic teachings.