National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations

NFCRV Mission 

The National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV) was established by the National Religious Vocation Conference in 2014, through an initial grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and additional funding from the GHR Foundation, to provide financial assistance to NRVC member institutes by assisting in removing in whole or in part, the significant educational debt of candidates pursuing vocations as religious sisters, brothers, or priests. 

The NFCRV serves as a sign of hope for the future of consecrated life and is dedicated to increasing the number of women and men entering religious communities by: 

■ Offering financial assistance to religious institutes so that they may accept candidates who have student loan obligations.

■ Assisting congregations in developing policies and resources so that they may work effectively with those who have educational debt. 

■ Inviting contributors to invest so that the vital legacy of religious life continues for the Church and the world.

The Fund awards grants based on need. Any canonically recognized religious institute with membership in the National Religious Vocation Conference may apply for a grant to service a candidate’s educational debt during formation. 

Grant application eligibility 

Please be reminded NRVC members are eligible if:

1. Your current NRVC dues are paid.

2. You have not received a prior year grant.

3. You have a current candidate with college debt who has not yet entered your order/institute.

Full guidelines and online application can be found at NFCRV.org. 

Application Process

The NFCRV is now accepting on-line applications year round from NRVC members who have paid their membership dues.

In response to growing interest and a need for greater accessibility, the NFCRV Board is pleased to announce a new, year-round Rolling Grant Window. As of September 2025, religious communities who are members of the NRVC may submit grant applications at any time throughout the year, rather than adhering to fixed deadlines.

This change allows for more flexibility in meeting the urgent needs of vocation directors with discerners who are navigating educational debt. It also enables NFCRV to process applications more efficiently and provide timely support throughout the year.

Since its inception, 53 candidates have received educational debt grants. 

Grant Guidelines and applications are available at NFCRV.org 

For more information on how the NFCRV can financially assist your religious institute in accepting candidates with college educational debt, please contact Mr. Phil Loftus, NFCRV Executive Director  at ploftus@nfcrv.org or 312.318.0180