Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’,” the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls created the One Planet Fund in 2021 to address growing concerns of climate emergency. The fund, which accepts applications for grants up to $1500, supports projects that promote respect for the earth and bring awareness to the urgent need to protect the environment.
The fund has given out 40 grants for a total of $45,145 so far. The eligibility region has been expanded and now includes all of Minnesota, as well as North and South Dakota, according to Rosanne Fischer, a Franciscan associate and member of the One Planet Fund committee.
“We would like to get the word out about this opportunity for assistance with small projects in community groups, churches, schools, nonprofits, BIPOC groups and youth groups,” she said.
“I see this grant as a way of supporting and encouraging others in the carrying out of their dreams of how to care for creation and share this with others,” said Sister Janice Wiechman, assistant community minister of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. “It is exciting to think about the many small ways that organizations can promote sustainability with their creative projects.”
Some of the projects supported by the fund include a school that received a grant to find ways to reduce food waste and another that used their grant to buy planters and lights so that they could grow plants in the classroom during the winter.
St. Timothy Parish in Blaine, Minnesota, requested a grant to install a water bottle refill station to encourage parishioners to use reusable water bottles and discourage single-use plastics.
Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Annandale received a grant to develop and construct a community labyrinth on their property to allow for reflection and enjoyment of nature.
“St. Francis of Assisi had a great care and love for creation as it spoke to him of the beauty and love of the Creator,” Sister Janice said. “He composed the Canticle of the Creatures in which he praises God through the beauty of the creation he sees and his experiences. In this time, it is urgent that we reconnect with this love of the home God has created for our living and sharing.”
“I find it urgent to find ways to care for our earth home in this time of global warming,” she added. “We have not done a good job of caring for the earth and any way we can support new awareness of the need to care for our earth and how to do this is important to me.”
To apply contact Elizabeth Rydeen, Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls director of community relations, at 320-632-0624 or email erydeen@fslf.org.