Philanthropy as an Expression of Mission
For the Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FSM), philanthropy is a sacred responsibility rooted in Gospel solidarity and care for all of God’s Creation. Guided by Franciscan values, FSM uses its surplus assets to accompany communities most impacted by injustice and environmental harm. Over time, FSM’s philanthropy has evolved from traditional grantmaking toward trust-based, relational, and participatory approaches that center community wisdom and shared power. Through humility, listening, and long-term commitment, FSM practices philanthropy as a living expression of faith, justice, and hope.
A Sacred Responsibility
FSM’s philanthropy flows from a long-standing commitment to stand with those on the margins and to respond to communities made vulnerable by unjust systems. Surplus assets—resources beyond what is needed to care for the Sisters and ensure their future—are intentionally directed toward this work.
FSM’s philanthropic journey has unfolded through years of discernment, learning, and relationship-building. This evolution—from early environmental grants to trust-based and participatory models—is reflected in FSM’s Philanthropy Timeline, which traces how the congregation’s giving has deepened over time.
Grounded in Franciscan Values
FSM’s philanthropic commitment was formally articulated in 2011 and refined in subsequent years. It is shaped by Franciscan values of conversion, gratitude, simplicity, humility, trust, and interconnectedness with all creation, alongside principles of stewardship, responsibility, and prudence.
These values guide decisions about where and how FSM gives, with particular attention to climate change, environmental justice, and the disproportionate burdens borne by people living in poverty.
From Strategy to Relationship
FSM’s formal philanthropy began in 2013 with grants to environmental organizations in the St. Louis region. By 2014, FSM clarified its philanthropic mission and identified focus areas related to clean energy, forest conservation, and sustainable food systems.
As reflected across the Philanthropy Timeline, FSM’s approach continued to mature through deep listening to grantee partners. This listening revealed the limits of transactional philanthropy and the burdens placed on grassroots organizations—especially those led by people of color—by extractive funding practices.
Trust, Just Culture, and Shared Power
Between 2019 and 2023, FSM transitioned to a trust-based, relational model of philanthropy. Grantmaking became increasingly place-based, with a strong emphasis on environmental justice in the St. Louis region and the Midwest.
During this period, FSM also began investing in Just Culture—supporting the dignity, well-being, and sustainability of nonprofit workers themselves. This work affirmed FSM’s belief that care for people is inseparable from care for creation.
Participatory Grantmaking and Accompaniment
In 2023, FSM entered a new chapter by embracing participatory grantmaking—intentionally ceding decision-making power to those closest to the work. This shift culminated in the creation of the Sow Joy Peoples Fund, a community-led environmental justice fund governed by leaders with lived experience of environmental injustice.
Beginning in 2024, FSM entrusted more than half of its annual grantmaking capacity to this community-governed fund, marking a profound act of trust, humility, and accompaniment.
A Living Practice of Hope
FSM understands philanthropy as a living practice—one that continues to evolve in response to communities and movements working for justice, healing, and ecological regeneration. In this way, philanthropy becomes not only a use of resources, but a witness to faith in action.