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Dominican Social Action Fund Committee Records

 Collection
Identifier: PG-0482

Scope and Contents

The Dominican Social Action Fund Records document the establishment, governance, and grant-making activities of the Dominican Social Action Fund, a provincial initiative of the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great founded in the aftermath of the 1973 Provincial Chapter. Created alongside the Promoter of Social Justice and the Commission on Social Justice, the Fund functioned as a quasi-endowed body dedicated to supporting self-help projects led by economically marginalized communities. Through an annual application and review process, the Fund distributed grants to empower poor and disenfranchised groups.

The collection contains records relating to the administration of the Fund and its grant-making operations. Administrative materials document the foundation of the Fund, governance, committee work, financial and investment practices, and correspondence. These records demonstrate the Fund’s emphasis on socially responsible investment, shareholder advocacy, and cooperative ministry to the poor, as well as its relationship to broader Catholic social action initiatives.

Applicant and project files document the evaluation and approval of grant proposals and provide insight into the types of organizations and initiatives supported by the Fund. Materials include information on applicant organizations, loan and grant applications, and records of approved projects. Grant recipients reflected a range of social justice priorities, including community development and refugee assistance.

The collection is arranged in two series: Series I, Administrative Records, and Series II, Applicant Files. Materials span from 1973 to 2003 and reflect the full lifecycle of the Fund from its founding through its final grant distributions and closure in the early 2000s.

Dates

  • Creation: 1974-2003

Conditions Governing Access

Material from this Collection may only be accessed upon consultation and written permission from the Provincial.

Conditions Governing Use

Some materials might require the use of audiovisual materials. Any AV materials must be viewed using equipment within the archive. Contact the archivist prior to visiting.

Biographical / Historical

The Dominican Social Action Fund was founded following the 1973 Provincial Chapter alongside the newly created Promoter and Commission on Social Justice. The Social Action Fund was established as a quasi-endowed fund to support through grants "self-help projects initiated, organized, and implimented by poor people so that they can gain an effective voice in and control over decisions which affect their lives." The fund was controlled by a board which reviewed applications annually. Grant recipients included Central American Refugee Center (CARECAN), the USCCB's Campaign for Human Development, and CHA Residents Taking Action. After nearly thirty years of grants, the Fund closed down and distributed its remaining grants in the early 2000's.

Extent

.8 Linear Feet (Two document boxes.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Dominican Social Action Fund Records document the establishment, governance, and grant selection of the Dominican Social Action Fund, a provincial initiative of the Dominican Province of St. Albert the Great from its formation in 1973 to its closure in the early 2000's. The Social Action Fund was established to support community development and relief organizations within states that the Province acted within.

Physical Location

Archives of the Province of St. Albert the Great, USA. 1910 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608.

Legal Status

This collection is available for research only upon contact of the Archivist. The materials are non-circulating.

Title
Guide to Dominican Social Action Fund Committee Records
Status
In Progress
Author
Kevin O'Gorman
Date
1-13-2026
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Archives of the Province of St. Albert the Great, U.S.A. Repository

Contact:
1910 S. Ashland Ave
Chicago Illinois 60608 United States
3122430011