In the first two years of its OSV Challenge, the OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation has awarded more than half a million dollars to apostolates, people and organizations who have come up with bold ideas not only to serve certain segments of Catholics, but to change the very landscape of the Church.
Now, the OSV Institute is preparing to launch the third annual OSV Challenge, which will provide opportunities for Catholic apostolates to continue their work, expand their reach or begin programs that were previously unavailable. If you have a top-notch idea or run an existing apostolate that needs a break to make a big impact, get ready, because you can’t win one of the five $100,000 prizes if you don’t apply.
The challenge begins accepting applications starting Jan. 31 at 8 a.m. EST and will only accept those that are submitted by Feb. 18 at noon EST. An informational, live question-and-answer session will be held Feb. 2 at 1:00 p.m. EST. There are several rounds and pitches over the course of several months, and winners will be announced at the OSV Challenge Showcase on Oct. 1, 2022.
Challenge organizers are looking for “those who are passionate about their project because they believe it will impact the landscape of the Church,” said Stephanie Mahoney, project lead for the OSV Challenge. The OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation developed the OSV Challenge to be a unique experience, more than merely a prize competition, but a spiritual journey requiring prayer, grit, and perseverance — all of which is ultimately geared toward the salvation of souls through the work of these apostolates.
As explained on the official challenge website, the institute is “seeking people with ideas ready to impact the Church that deserve to be nurtured, cultivated and taken to new heights.” It is a multi-round competition, which culminates in the awarding of five prizes, each in the amount of $100,000.
There are four tracks for applications:
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- The Creative Arts Track covers performance art, painting, sculpture, literature, film & media, architecture, music and theater.
- The Entrepreneur Track is available to for-profits, nonprofits or even an independent Catholic school
- The Parish & Diocese Track is designed for parish or diocesan staff, parish-based ministry volunteers, and employees or volunteers at a parish or diocesan school
- The Technology Track is for those whose idea or product requires more mechanical or technical expertise, including apps, software, digital tools and platforms.
“The OSV Challenge is more than just supporting ideas, it’s about helping to facilitate the growth and development of the Catholic innovators who bring their ideas to the challenge,” Mahoney said. “By empowering and investing in these trailblazers, we support how each one of them has uniquely answered God’s call in their life to make a difference in the world.”
Red Bird Ministries, founded by Ryan and Kelly Breaux of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, was one of the $100,000 prize winners in the 2021 OSV Challenge. In 2005, Kelly gave birth to twins — a son, Talon, and a daughter, Emma Grace. Within 15 days, Talon passed away, and Emma Grace followed just three years later. After what they call a “decade of darkness” in their marriage, they found healing through the sacraments of the Church. Since then, they felt a calling to help others carry this cross and navigate these painful waters. And thus, Red Bird Ministries was born.
Red Bird Ministries is a Catholic grief support ministry. It’s Catholicity flows from the critical role the Church’s sacraments play in the healing process, according to the organization’s website.
“At Red Bird Ministries serving families of loss has been a calling from the Lord, but funding and grant opportunities for Catholic apostolates are limited,” Kelly Breaux said. They applied for the OSV Challenge because “we were excited about the opportunity and eager to be a part of it.” They wanted to advance the mission of their apostolate and grow as an organization, and such a large grant would allow them to produce some of the programs they had previously not been able to. These programs included The Good Shepherd, which was designed to help clergy, seminarians, and church staff learn how to receive families suffering loss and how to support them even after the funeral, and The Digital Experience, an app that utilizes technology to further reach and serve those who may be silently suffering.
Breaux said she would advise anyone on the fence about joining the OSV Challenge to take the leap and apply. “Do not be afraid of an opportunity that the Lord is placing before you to grow your organization, your idea, or ways to lead souls to Christ,” she said. “Co-create with him and allow your work to be seen by the Church.”
Breaux also encourages applicants not to be discouraged if they are not awarded a grant, and to apply again if they feel called to do so. Red Bird Ministries only made it to the second round their first year, and won one of the prizes after applying again the next year.
“Don’t let the temptation of self-doubt prevent you from sharing the light of Christ that is within you,” she said. “The Lord always illuminates his work and shines bright when presented and shared with humility and trust in him.”
For more on the OSV Challenge, including information on the application process, visit OSVInstitute.com/OSVChallenge.
Paul Senz writes from Oklahoma.
