2025-2026, GRANT WINNERS
In 2021, the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word began a special grant initiative entitled “Sisters Supporting Women for a Better World”. Because women are at the heart of their communities, the demands that they face are many as are the challenges they encounter. For women living in economic poverty, the resources they need to succeed are often beyond their reach. These include education, economic opportunity, personal safety, health care and social services. Our educational ministries were asked to consider how they could make a difference in lives of women and in their communities. Projects were requested from student teams in the United States and Mexico with assistance from a faculty mentor in this new initiative. In Peru, projects were requested from areas served by Sisters.
The purpose of the grant initiative has been to provide funding to develop and implement a project to serve economically poor women. These projects were asked to incorporate direct services for women, or advocating for policy change on an issue that direct impacts women.
CURRENT YEAR: For the current grant year, 2025-2026 (funded in 2026), 15 applications were received, and six grants were approved by a review committee composed of CCVI Sisters, three grants were given in Mexico, one in Peru, and two in the United States .
SUMMARY: In summary, we are happy to report that since 2021, 40 grants have been provided to our schools in Mexico and the United States, and for projects in Peru. Total funding from 2021-2026 has been $83,200. We feel that the communities supported by these grants have been enhanced by the work provided by student teams throughout the last three years. Beginning with the grants approved for this year, we will include information on the numbers of people served and the number of students involved.
On the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2025, we announced the approved projects:
MEXICO
Colegio Central, “Health and Dignity for Migrant Women
in Vulnerable Situations”
This project aims to provide assistance in Puebla, where more than 70% of women have experienced violence and thousands live in poverty. The Medical Clinic of the Casa de Desamparados a Migrantes, A.C. (Home for Migrants in Need) will be strengthened by providing a health fair with pertinent material acquired and creation of needed information.
The budget for this project includes funding for medicines and medical supplies, logistics and materials for the health fair, educational materials and preventive workshops.
Instituto America, Chihuahua, Mexico, “Agar Community,
A Space for Single Mothers”
This project will provide support in the Parish of Santa Eulalia in Chihuahua to single mothers in vulnerable situations through prayer, education and social assistance, promoting their personal development and that of their children. Training will be provided in easy to learn trades, to include colorimetry and manicure, and tools will be donated to the women to facilitate their implementation.
Timeline for completion of the project includes agreement with the Parish Priest on the work to be done; setting dates for the training; purchasing necessary materials for and organizing the training; carrying out the activities, recitation of the rosary, and review of the Consecration to the Incarnate Word. Each woman will receive a kit as a donation including information on the trade and tools to start their business; snacks for socializing, tools for the colorimetry and the manicure courses will be handled.
Instituto Hispano Ingles, San Luis Potosi,
“Hearts with History”
This project is designed to provide a space for expression, encounter, and companionship for the elderly women at the Ignacio Montes de Oca nursing home. “Hearts with History” reflects the idea that memories and connections create new stories, hearts with history. Manual, artistic and recreational activities will be utilized not only for therapy but for rebuilding identity and emotional well-being.
The schedule for the project workshops will run for 8 weeks beginning at end of January and ending mid-May 2026. Craft and knitting will be offered fostering creativity, fine motor skills and sense of personal achievement. “Tell Me Your Story sessions will be held where participants will share anecdotes, traditions and meaningful memories. These will be recorded for sharing. An “Afternoon of Beauty and Wellness” will be offered dedicated to personal grooming, musical togetherness and emotional well-being. An additional afternoon will be offered to repeat some activities. In the final week and exhibition will take place displaying items created.
Funding for the project includes costs for a variety of supplies, make-up and course products.
PERU
“Addressing the Health Needs of Low Income Women,
Especially Women from Rural Communities”
Conducted at the Santa Clara Specialized Medical Center in Chimbote, this project will provide medical care to 30 women including diagnostic assistance (laboratory tests and ultrasounds), treatment and medication. The project will also cover their transportation costs if necessary. Five women will be seen each month who will be recruited in the medical center’s monthly medical campaigns.
Funding for this project will pay for medical consultations, medications, lab tests and ultrasounds, medical treatments and transportation.
UNITED STATES
University of the Incarnate Word, School of Osteopathic Medicine
“Wellness & Confidence for Women Battling Cancer and Survivors”
AND
University of the Incarnate Word, School of Osteopathic Medicine,
San Antonio, Texas
“Women’s Health Fair”
The University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Osteopathic Medicine submitted two grant requests celebrating women undergoing cancer treatment and those in survivorship by offering supportive, confidence building experiences in a compassionate and empowering environment. The faculty and student teams have been asked to work together in sharing funding and collaborating on creating a successful educational fair for these underserved women.
The fair will celebrate resilience and promote holistic healing through beauty, wellness counseling, osteopathic and spiritual care services. Planning in early 2026 will include beauty salons, makeup artists, licensed counselors and cancer support groups, local chaplains and spiritual leaders. Professional photographers will be engaged to work with the women. The fair will be planned between March and May of 2026 with goal of 100-200 women in attendance. Uniting medical students, faculty and community partners to promote holistic wellness, breast screenings, chronic disease assessments, pregnancy counseling and mental health resources will be offered. Scheduled for Spring 2026, the project will provide education regarding preventive health services and empathy and community connection throughout the medical team.
Funding for the event includes payment medical supplies, screening materials and printing, diagnostic support, marketing and community outreach.
