How The Projects Work Step 1: Project Requests Initially, most projects start at the request from charitable organizations in India. Typically, this will be an individual in a human service organization or a pastor of a church in India. They submit a formal letter to Father Herman summarizing the need for the grant and how the funds will be used. Because Father maintains close relations with many priests in India, the bulk of the requests come from a church sponsor, but Father Herman does not limit support to religious organizations alone. The primary consideration for projects is need. Step 2: Project Review The Council reviews the projects and makes a determination if the project is one that can be supported. Second, the Council determines whether the request will fill a need to help the poor or needy. Finally, the Council determines if the fund can support the request. Ultimately, the Council looks at the capacity of the recipient to fulfill the objective and their responsibility and accountability - it is particularly important for Father to be familiar personally with the requesting group or pastor . Step 3: Site Review Once all of these elements have been reviewed, if the project meets these requirements, unless he has recently spoken directly with the requesting party, Father Herman dispatches one of his contacts to the site of the project for a final review and recommendation. Typically his local contacts in India will visit with each of the site principals and review any outstanding issues or problems that could prevent successful completion of the project. This person also helps determine the timing of the project. Step 4: Project Accepted The Council summarizes the request and the due diligence conducted regarding the request, and submits the request to the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Foundation for their approval. Once the project has been approved by the Foundation, monies will be released as reccomended by the Council.