THE FRANCIS SENDEN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

     The Francis Senden Memorial Foundation (FSMF) was established in 1991 to assist financially the fulfillment of the socio-economic and pastoral ideals and concerns of the late Francis Senden, cicm. Social commitment challenges members of the Foundation to entrust financial and human resources to life-promoting ventures for justice, peace and integrity of creation.

         The main project of the FSMF is the Asian Social Institute, which has the following concrete needs :

  1. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
    A scholarship fund is necessary to subsidize talented students of modest means. This fund helps both graduate students and students of non-degree courses.  (a)The International Diploma Course for Community Development Workers, which is of two months’ duration (live-in) will amount to US$1,075. (b) A Masteral degree scholarship grant (tuition, miscellaneous fees, and some allowance). Two and a half years of study will require US$27,500. (c)A Doctoral scholarship grant for three years will amount to US$30,000.
  1. PROFESSORIAL CHAIR.
    The interest on the principal of not less than US$25,000 given by a donor will be used to add to deserving professor’s normal fees in ASI or serve as honoraria for professional lectures by outstanding resource persons.
  1. SOCIAL THINK-TANKS.
    Through the annual Francis Senden Memorial Lecture (FSML), ASI gathers in a forum-workshop a microcosm of civil society, to be enlightened by a distinguished and renowned speaker on a topic that is socially relevant.  An activity of this nature costs ASI US$12, 500.
  1. SOCIAL RESEARCH.
    Basic research, with its implications for facilitating changes is a must. Together with participatory action research, it integrates education, action and organization for social transformation in communities and dioceses. This will amount to a range of from US$12,500 to US$50,000 depending on the subject, nature and scope of the research area and action.
  1. PUBLICATIONS AND AUDIO-VISUALS.
    Critical reflection  on social concerns helps clarify mindsets and “heartsets” which externalize themselves in structures that either promote or obstruct life. The packaging, dissemination, and social marketing of ideas through publications and audio-visual products are major areas for development. A video production of  25 minutes will cost US$5,000, while a publication of 200 pages will cost US$7,500.
  1. ACCOMPANIMENT OF GRASSROOTS MOVEMENTS AND COMMUNITIES.
    Roughly an accompaniment of any group which implies training and formation of leaders in a community leading to people’s self-empowerment will amount to US$8,000 yearly.      
The Board of Directors of the Foundation are:

President                      Rev. Fr. Paul van Daelen, cicm
Vice President               Dr. Mina M. Ramirez
Secretary                      Ms. Evelyn Magnata
Treasurer                     Ms. Elisa Buenaventura
Member                       Rev. Fr. Gabriel Dieryk, cicm
Member                       Mr. Antonio Obtinario
Member                       Dr. Reynaldo Romero