OSV Launches OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation as Epicenter for Creativity and Entrepreneurship in the Church
OSV Institute Announces Rebrand as Part of Evolving Vision
Huntington, IN, January 19, 2021 – In an ongoing effort to answer Saint Pope John Paul II’s call for a New Evangelization that is new in its ardor, expressions, and methods, OSV Institute unveils the OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation. This new innovation ecosystem is committed to pulling together the best of both worlds in ministry and entrepreneurship, established with the sole purpose of forging new paths for people to encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church.
Operating as the philanthropic arm of OSV and recognized as one of the oldest Catholic grant-makers in the United States, the newly-named OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation seeks an evolution that better embodies the values by which OSV was first founded. Archbishop Noll, a trailblazer of his time, founded OSV over 100 years ago using new methods and approaches to educate Catholic faithful and advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ. OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation recognizes the need for a similar catalyst today to cultivate thought leadership, strategic doing, and design thinking to ultimately energize and renew the 21st century Church.
This is an unprecedented initiative in the Church, and OSV aims to lead the way by fostering new ideas and approaches necessary for the Church to reach the modern world. “Innovation can mobilize, galvanize, and bring us together as a Church at the service of the New Evangelization,” states Jason Shanks, President of OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation. “More than ‘invention,’ innovation has a sense of ‘execution’ which requires collaboration, cooperation, and moving in a common direction. Pope Francis talks about ‘accompaniment’ and going to the peripheries. In business, this concept is knowing your customer and going to new markets. Our messaging and approaches must reach audiences who are not currently listening,” confirmed Shanks.
This shift in paradigm was brought to life in 2020 with the first-ever OSV Innovation Challenge, a yearlong contest, set to recur annually, that awarded three $100,000 grants to projects making a profound impact on the Church and the release of OSV Innovation Talks, a series of professionally-produced talks by prominent Catholic leaders aimed at sparking discussion on a broad range of topics relevant in ministry.
Beyond these new initiatives, “OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation’s vision for the future includes such things as learning labs, a consulting network of coaches and mentors, start-up accelerators, think tanks, and capacity-building grants in targeted areas that are outcome-driven and offer lasting solutions,” says Jason Nees, Director of Marketing Services. “There’s never been a better time for innovation in our Church, and we are excited to be leading the way.”
To request an interview with Jason Nees, contact Carrie Kline at carriek@revolutionizingmissions.com.
For more information and a complete press kit, visit osvinstitute.com/press.
In 1915, Fr. John Francis Noll began OSV Institute to extend the reach of Our Sunday Visitor in service and support of Catholic organizations. Over $80 million has been granted to Catholic organizations to date. In 2021, the name evolved to OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation to better identify with a strategy evolution focusing on innovation. OSV Institute for Catholic Innovation continues to serve the Church by inspiring and encouraging innovative and effective Church-related programs and activities that forge new paths for people to encounter the truth and beauty of the Catholic Church. Learn more at osvinstitute.com.
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