Community

This contest encourages today’s youth to be more connected to their community and their faith. The goal of this program is to involve young Catholics in grades 8 to 12 (public, private, parochial or home schools during the current school year) in civic discourse and instill in them religious and life-affirming values. The essay should be 500-750 words on a specific topic, changing every other year. Entrants will be judged on grammar, style, and how clearly they present the theme in a way that showcases creativity, imagination and overall development of the topic. For information plese contact Essay Contest Chairman Robert Griffin at essayposter@kofcnc.org . For 2026-27 the essay theme is: “ The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God .” In 500-750 words, explain what this quote from former U.S. President and Knights of Columbus member John F. Kennedy’s 1961 Inaugural address means and its importance for the flourishing of a nation. Essays are judged as follows: 35 Points: Content — How thoroughly is the topic examined? 30 Points: Grammar — How well is the essay written with respect to sentence and paragraph construction? 35 Points: Style — Does the essay show creativity, imagination and development of the topic in a logical and compelling style?

Councils across North America can purchase new winter coats at a discount to be distributed to the children in need in their local communities. If a council orders $500 or more worth of cases of coats, this will satisfy the first requirment of the new Columbian Award. PLEASE NOTE - THE 135-CASE LIMIT HAS BEEN REACHED TO DOUBLE YOUR ORDER. ORDERS WILL STILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2026 BUT NOT DOUBLED!

The North Carolina Knights of Columbus provide rapid, compassionate, and organized assistance to families, parishes, and communities affected by natural disasters. Rooted in the Order's principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity, our statewide network ensures help arrives when it's needed most. Prepare your community before disaster strikes. Councils engage their parish and community in disaster preparedness exercises by organizing trainings, fundraisers and awareness activities.

The program exists to recognize and honor First Responders—the men and women who step forward during emergencies, disasters, and community crises. It aligns naturally with the Knights’ mission of charity, unity, and service.

Offer an athletic outlet for young people ages 9 to 14 through a fun free throw competition. To sponsor a competition start by ordering a Free Throw Championship Kit, or volunteer to host and/or support the district, regional and state/province championships.

Help change the lives of people with disabilities worldwide by having your council donate at least $150USD in the US and $195CAD in Canada for a wheelchair. Through partnerships, councils can purchase a large container of 280 wheelchairs for their own donation sites. A featured program, Global Wheelchair Mission, counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award. The Order's wheelchair program reached a major milestone in late 2020, surpassing more than 100,000 wheelchairs since the first donation 18 years ago.

Build homes with families in need. Councils are asked to donate a minimum of $1,000 or 200 service hours to Habitat for Humanity projects in their community. A featured program, Habitat for Humanity counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award.

Put your faith into action and help people who are less fortunate in your community. In the spirit of our founder, Blessed Michael J. McGivney, councils lead efforts to assist those most in need. Guidelines for this program are broad and can include forming partnerships with local aid organizations or independently planning unique activities.

Provide an athletic outlet for young people ages 10 to 17 through shooting accuracy on goal competition designed for players to demonstrate their skills. Start sponsoring a competition by ordering a Hockey Challenge Kit, or volunteer to host and/or support the district, regional and state/province championships.

Provide an athletic outlet for young people ages 9 to 14 through penalty kick competition designed for players to demonstrate their skills. Start sponsoring a competition by ordering a Soccer Challenge Kit, or volunteer to host and/or support the district, regional and state/province championships.

Celebrating the power of adapted sports for our nation’s Veterans with disabilities

Our veterans too often have problems and difficulties long after they leave the service. What do they need and how can your council help? Team up with your 4 th Degree Assembly.

The youth of our community are our future