St. Margaret Mary Parish donates a portion of income to charitable organizations both inside and outside of the parish community.  Part of these funds are directly allocated to Daybreak Transitional Housing each year. Additional funds are transferred to PADS and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul that are SMMP organizations.

The Charitable Contributions Committee distributes the remaining portion of these funds to a wide range of organizations which serve others in need. One important aspect of this evaluation is that the committee and therefore the parish gets a realistic feel of the effects of poverty and need in this world. The funds are allocated based upon human needs including: 1. feeding the hungry, 2. clothing the naked, 3. sheltering the homeless, and 4. providing for the physical and spiritual well-being of individuals and groups. Those served are from the local area (DuPage County), surrounding counties and even foreign locations. Typical organizations included: Birthright of DuPage, the Bruckner/Kneufer Guest House, Ecumenical Adult Day Care, House of Good Shepherd, Kolbe House, Guardian Angel Home, Franciscan Outreach, NAMI of DuPage (mental disabilities), Northern IL Food Bank, Precious Blood (parish and food pantry), Seguin, Teen Parent Connection, etc.

Applicants for funds are requested to apply through SMMP and provide: 1. a summary of the activity for which funds will be used, 2. confirmation of their tax exempt status, 3. a copy of the previous year’s annual financial statement, and 4. a year-to-date financial statement.  A member of the Committee reviews the information and either visits the organization or has them visit SMMP (other than foreign applicants, of course.)  The whole Committee then acts upon the request. 

The monthly meetings are open for parish members, and we are pleased to consider individuals interested in joining the Committee.