Donate
How to donate items to support Catholic services at a Federal Bureau of Prisons institution.
Donation Guidelines
Individuals and organizations may provide donations to support Catholic services in a Federal Bureau of Prisons institution by including clear, complete information with the donation.
Per Donation Limit
$2,500
Per Fiscal Year Limit
$15,000
from a single donor
Prepare a Written Donation Letter
A short letter should accompany the donation. The purpose of the letter is to identify the donor and clearly describe what is being provided. The donation letter should include:
1. Donor Information
Full name of the individual or organization. For organizations, include: organization name, mailing address, phone number, and name and title of the contact person.
2. Description of the Donor
Briefly explain who you are. Examples: Catholic parish, diocese or archdiocese, religious order or ministry, Catholic nonprofit organization, or individual donor.
3. Description of the Donation
List exactly what is being donated. Include: item name or title, author or publisher (if applicable), quantity, format (book, DVD, printed material, etc.), and condition (new, unused, etc.).
Example: "Fifty paperback copies of the New American Bible, new condition."
4. Estimated Value
Provide a reasonable estimate of the value of the donation. Include estimated value per item and total estimated value. This can be based on retail price or similar items.
5. Intended Use
State the intended use of the donation as: "For general inmate use."
Catholic Service Donation Examples
Liturgical & Devotional
- Catholic Bibles (NAB or approved editions)
- Rosaries
- Prayer books & devotional guides
- Stations of the Cross booklets
- Catechisms & study materials
Chapel & Worship Items
- Small crucifixes
- Religious images or prayer cards
- Modest altar linens (new & unused)
Food & Fellowship
- Unopened, sealed grape juice
- Unleavened bread or wafers
- Packaged cookies or pastries
- Coffee (ground or instant)
- Tea, sugar, creamer
Our Wish List
The following items are things that we could use for our community. They do not have to be in the best of condition. We will happily accept anything you have to offer.
Media
- Educational DVDs
- Feature length Catholic films
Sacramentals
- Rosaries
- Small plastic Holy Water bottles
- Prayer Cards
- Liturgy of the Hours brevaries
Liturgical Items
- Liturgical altar linens
- Monstrance
- Thurible w/boat & spoon
- Banners
Example Donation Letter
[Date]
Deacon J. Davis
Catholic Chaplain
FCI Otisville
P.O. Box 600
Otisville, NY 10963-0600
Dear Deacon Davis:
Please accept the enclosed items as a donation to support Catholic services at FCI Otisville:
[List items, quantities, and condition.]
The estimated value of this donation is approximately $[amount].
I am a [individual / Catholic organization type], and this donation is intended for general inmate use.
Respectfully,
[Name]
[Organization, if applicable]
[Mailing Address]
[Phone Number]
Send Donations To
Deacon J. Davis
Catholic Chaplain
FCI Otisville
P.O. Box 600
Otisville, NY 10963-0600