In 2014, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSM) began a new chapter in their philanthropy by engaging Arabella Advisors to help formalize and deepen their giving strategy. Through a collaborative process involving FSM leadership and congregation members, Arabella guided the congregation in articulating its philanthropic mission, clarifying values, and setting strategic priorities.
Key Milestones:
Philanthropic Mission Defined:
FSM developed a philanthropic mission statement to guide its charitable giving: “The Franciscan Sisters of Mary honors our Franciscan heritage by supporting the compassionate care of Creation for the common good of all life on Earth.” This mission was not a change to the congregation’s core mission and focus, but rather a focused expression of how its giving would reflect and extend its values.
Three Strategic Issue Areas Identified:
– Clean Energy: Supporting grassroots and community-based efforts—particularly in the Global South—to advocate for and implement clean energy solutions.
– Forest Conservation: Empowering communities in critical forest areas to conserve habitats and benefit sustainably from natural resources.
– Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting local, small-scale food systems that improve health outcomes, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability.
Core Values Guiding FSM’s Giving:
– Service and Stewardship
– Empowerment of Marginalized Communities
– Collaboration and Community Building
– Health and Healing for All Creation
Grantmaking Principles Established:
FSM’s philanthropy emphasizes:
– Systemic Change — Addressing root causes with long-term strategies
– Evaluation and Learning — Committing to continual learning and impact measurement
– Partnership — Working collaboratively with communities, funders, and peer organizations
Structured Grant Process Launched:
FSM released a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) in late 2014, seeking applications that
aligned with its issue priorities. The process included clear criteria, deadlines, and reporting expectations, reflecting a shift toward intentional, impact-driven philanthropy.