The meeting was held in connection with the mid-year meeting of the Virginia State Council Knights of Columbus. Here are the three documents published for this meeting: Notice of Annual Meeting; Meeting Report for 2008-2009; and Minutes of Annual Meeting 2008.

In 1994, the Virginia State Council of the Knights of Columbus incorporated the charity committee to form the Virginia Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc. (VKCCI) for the purpose of carrying out the first principle of our order, "Charity." VKCCI helps support those citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia who are unable to provide support for themselves or their family members, and have exhausted all other avenues of relief. VKCCI provides grants of up to $2,000 to individuals in need. Utilizing funds provided by a KOVAR grant, VKCCI is able to provide funds to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

VKCCI gives grants to individuals and families who are in financial distress. These grants provide some of the necessities of life for these individuals. Donations from you enable us to continue to give that financial assistance to those who have no other place to turn. Since July 1, 1994 to June 30, 2009, through your generosity, VKCCI has given 519 grants totaling over $754,490.

VKCCI is a tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(3). Contact board members in your area for information or to make presentations concerning VKCCI. Tax deductible donations are welcome from any association, corporation, partnership, trust, foundation, or other organization. Contributions should be made payable to VKCCI and should be mailed to: Richard S. Aleksy, 8203 Claremont St., Manassas, Virginia 20110-3609.

Virginia Knights of Columbus Label Program
The major source of income for VKCCI is the Virginia Knights of Columbus "Return Address Label Program." Each Knight receives a set of mailing labels in the Fall. We ask you to continue to support the Label Program each year and we sincerely thank you for your generosity; please continue buying the mailing labels each year. Questions concerning the Label Program may be addressed to Richard G. "Richie" Head, PSD.

VKCCI Council Contributions
During 2007-2008 fraternal year, 82 Councils contributed $13,500. During the 2006-2007 fraternal year, 85 Councils contributed $14,500 to VKCCI. The contributions are received at the Virginia State Council's Annual Meeting. You may contribute at any time during the year by sending a check made out to VKCCI to PSD Richard Aleksy, VKCCI Treasurer. His address is 8203 Claremont St., Manassas, VA 20110-3609.

Robert D. Neary Award
The VKCCI board established the Robert D. Neary Award Award September 12, 1998, to pay tribute to Bob who was selfless and untiring when it came to VKCCI and the Knights of Columbus. VKCCI established an endowment fund where the principal of the fund will never be used, only the interest. The funding of the endowment is through $500 donations from Councils and Assemblies to recognize special members and individuals or organizations who have made substantial contributions to their church, community, family, or the Knights of Columbus. Who was Robert D. Neary and who have been recipients? Download Robert D Neary Award Form.

All Grant requests must be submitted by the Grand Knight of a Virginia Council.
Grant requests should be submitted to:

Please email the grant request if possible.

All of the following information concerning the individual or family is required for the grant request to be processed:

1. Name of the individual or family.
2. Names and ages of children, if applicable.
3. How the Council learned of the situation.
4. The circumstances that put the individual or family in financial distress.
5. What is the financial condition of the individual or family? (Submit a breakdown of sources of income and outstanding debts to demonstrate need.)
6. The amount of financial assistance requested from VKCCI.
7. The Council efforts to provide assistance (financial or volunteer).
8. Other agencies or organizations contacted for assistance and their response.
9. Any urgent time constraints that may be involved in the situation.
10. Identify if the individual or family situation involves intellectual disabilities. Please provide details concerning the intellectual disabilities. (There is special funding available in cooperation with KOVAR for these situations and the VKCCI funding limitation may not apply.)

After the VKCCI Grant Committee reviews the grant request, the President of VKCCI will respond by letter to the Grand Knight. If the grant is approved, a check made out to the Council and a Grant Distribution Report will be included.

The following are strictly required to comply with the grant procedures:

• Grant funds must be paid to a supplier or creditor not to the individual or family.
• The Grant Distribution Report must be completed and returned within 60 days of receipt of the grant along with any unused grant funds to the VKCCI Treasurer.