MinisTREE helps parish communities in three distinct ways: completing needed tasks throughout your community, growing your volunteer base, and the additional bonus of raising funds.

For each separate task identified, completed by a Catholic United member or non-member, and submitted to us, Catholic United will make a donation of $5 to a parish or school. Parishes can work throughout the year toward a goal of $500 for submitted activities, all the while creating a culture of volunteerism and engagement through this parish volunteer grant program.

To start a new program or request additional MinisTREE cards, contact the Member Engagement Department at engage@catholicunited.org or 800-568-6670.

Examples of MinisTREE activities

– Visit a shut-in
– Make a meal for someone in need
– Yard work around church grounds
– Set up for rummage sale
– Bring bars to a luncheon
– Driving elderly parishioners to/from church

Process

1. The participating parish or school staff must develop a list of volunteer tasks that need to be accomplished.
2. Tasks are written on MinisTREE cards and displayed in a prominent place in the parish or school
3. Volunteer activities must be identified in advance of the task being completed to qualify for MinisTREE program funding*
4. Completed tasks are collected by the MinisTREE coordinator and given to your area Catholic United Sales Representative or council officer.
5. The Sales Representative or coordinator submits the cards to the Member Engagement Department

Parish Volunteer Grant Program Guidelines

 – A minimum of 25 cards must be sent in at a time for check approval.
– A maximum of 10 cards per activity type or event may be submitted per year.
– The council presents a check from the Catholic United Financial to the parish, school or religious education program.
– Prayer activities do not count as MinisTREE activities.

*Submission of cards does not guarantee payment