Since 1998, Allegany Franciscan Ministries has supported programs assisting underserved and economically poor residents in the Miami-Dade community, continuing the work begun by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany when they arrived in Miami in 1927.  Through investing in advocacy, capacity building, and educational opportunities, we strive to increase access to health services and improve the overall health status of underserved populations in Miami-Dade County. We are committed to engaging and seeking the advice of community partners including those we seek to serve, so that our strategic objectives and grantmaking activities are aligned to effectively meet the needs of the Miami-Dade community.

To date, we have awarded over 300 grants totaling more than $3,500,000 to community-based organizations in healthcare, community organizing, education, advocacy, and non-profit capacity building efforts.

In the spirit of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany and Catholic Health East, our intent is to provide resources in a way that creates an atmosphere of healing for those most in need.  We also strive to partner effectively with other local foundations, grass-roots organizations, and service providers to achieve systemic change and advance the cause of social justice and community health and wellbeing.

We provide funding through several grant programs, with different guidelines and processes.  Major Grants, Tau Grants, and Capacity Building Scholarships are provided to community organizations to help achieve our goal of increasing access to healthcare and improving the overall health status of Miami-Dade County’s underserved populations.

A Regional Commission, composed of a dedicated and experienced group of community volunteers, meets on a regular basis to assist staff in setting funding priorities, identifying potential investment opportunities, and selecting proposals for funding.  Final funding decisions are made by Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ Board of Trustees.

For more information about funding and partnership opportunities within the Allegany Franciscan Ministries’ Miami-Dade Region, please contact Miguel A. Milanes, Regional Vice President here .