When you donate to a Catholic charity, you do more than give—you become a lifeline of faith, hope, and love for the poor and persecuted Church.
Today, 413 million Christians live in countries where religious freedom is severely violated, and more than half live in countries where they are directly exposed to persecution. Many others struggle with poverty, displacement, or the aftermath of war. The need is urgent—and ongoing.
If you are looking for a Catholic charity to support poor and persecuted Christians, Aid to the Church in Need, also known as ACN, is uniquely positioned to bring both spiritual and material help to communities most at risk.
A Catholic Charity You Can Trust
As a Pontifical Charity with nearly 80 years of service, ACN works hand in hand with bishops and trusted local partners to deliver aid directly to communities facing the greatest hardship. ACN receives no public funding, relying entirely on the generosity of faithful supporters like you.
Your Gift Strengthens the Church Where It Is Most Vulnerable
Your generosity becomes real, measurable support on the ground. While many organizations provide short-term relief, ACN stands with the local Church for the long haul—ensuring priests, religious sisters, and lay leaders can remain present and continue to help even when others have no choice but to leave.
This long‑term presence allows ACN to provide not only material aid, but essential spiritual and pastoral support that strengthens faith communities.
ACN is unique among Catholic charities: its entire mission is dedicated to supporting the Church wherever it is poor, persecuted, threatened, or in urgent need. In many places, your donation is the only support the Church receives.
What Your Donation Makes Possible
Each year, ACN supports over 5,000 projects in nearly 140 countries. Your gift helps fund:
- Emergency aid for communities affected by war, persecution, or disaster
- Training of priests, seminarians, sisters, and lay catechists
- Construction, reconstruction, and renovation of churches and many other Church buildings.
- Transportation for pastoral outreach in remote areas
- Mass intentions for priests and subsistence aid for religious sisters
- Distribution of Bibles and Christian literature
- Catholic media initiatives: TV, radio, and online content
ACN also raises awareness about religious persecution and advocates for religious freedom worldwide. Through global reports and international prayer campaigns like Red Wednesday and One Million Children Praying the Rosary, ACN mobilizes the faithful in prayer and solidarity.
In 2024, donors contributed more than $206 million to support the Church in need—proof that when the faithful are called, they respond with generosity and love.
Your Faith, Their Hope
Your gift is more than a donation—it is a powerful expression of your solidarity and a living witness to your faith in action. It reaches struggling Christian communities with a simple message: you are not forgotten by your brothers and sisters in Christ.
Your gift affirms the values that guide you—compassion, courage, and a commitment to the Body of Christ.
Turn your compassion into action today.
Help keep the faith alive where it is most at risk.
Stand with those strengthened by your commitment.
Every gift makes a difference—yours especially.