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Support For Sister-Affiliated Ministries During Challenging Times: Understanding A Foundation Initiative In Two Regions, Robert L. Fischer

Faculty Scholarship

This article describes the efforts of two foundations to sustain the ministries of Catholic sisters in two regions: northeast Ohio and South Carolina. Spanning more than 10 years, the initiative has drawn on multiple strategies – including convening, grantmaking, communicating, and research – in partnership with sisters themselves to sustain a diverse set of ministries. The work informs foundation practice by illuminating an approach to capacity development in very different regional contexts. Key lessons include being sensitive to the context, paying attention to both individual and organizational capacity, and the need for data.