Archbishop's Annual Appeal Schedule of Activities

February, 2025 Schedule

Week #1 - Monday, 2/24/25 - Sunday, 3/2/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

In 2024, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal received pledge commitments and bequests totaling more than $9,500,000, and I am pleased to report that we helped by contributing $[amount raised in your parish in 2024 toward our parish goal of $XX].

Pope Francis has stated “Each individual Christian and every community is called to be an instrument of God for the liberation and promotion of the poor, and for enabling them to be fully a part of society. This demands that we be docile and attentive to the cry of the poor and to come to their aid.” (11/24/13, no.187 Evangelii Gaudium).” The theme of this year’s Appeal, Trust in the Lord, is an opportunity for us to serve people who are less fortunate than ourselves. When we strengthen our commitment to serve one another as a family of faith, we benefit from the grace that flows from our service to our fellow brothers and sisters. Through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, we can provide for genuine acts of charity to help our fellow brothers and sisters of Christ.

This week we officially launch our efforts for the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Our parish goal is $[parish goal]. If you have not received a letter and Appeal information from Archbishop Coyne, you will receive it shortly. I am confident that together, with everyone’s participation, our parish will exceed our goal.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord may be successful, and that our response may reflect our commitment to our Archdiocesan ministries and to those that continue to serve our brothers and sisters in need. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

This weekend marks the start of the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal in our parish. If you haven’t already, you will soon receive a letter from Archbishop Coyne seeking your support. As Catholics in the Archdiocese of Hartford we can have a profound impact on our local communities not only spiritually, but intimately connected to it, the realm of social services and many charities and outreach services performed by, or with help from, our Church.

We hope you can help us meet our parish goal of $[parish goal]. If you would like to make a gift, please mail in your pledge card. You may also visit the Archdiocesan website at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/ or call the Appeal Office at (800) 781-2550. Keep in mind that an early pledge will allow you to best use the monthly payment plan.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/. No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

APPEAL DONATE BUTTON

We are asking that your parish webpage provide a link to the Appeal donate page. This graphic can be used in combination with this link https://appeal.ArchdioceseOfHartford.org/Donations on your parish website and social media platforms that will direct your parishioners to the Appeal website to make a donation to this year’s Appeal.

KICKOFF WEEKEND TIPS

• All parishes are to show the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal video at all Masses this weekend across the Archdiocese. In addition, please include the video in any Mass aired on the parish’s webpage and social media sites.
• Your Parish Office will receive a Downloadable Digital Appeal Video via email, in English. Links for the Appeal Video translated in Spanish and Polish will also be made available through Download ONLY. If you need another format, to present the video in your church, please contact Tina Poet, Director, of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, at 1-800-781-2550 as soon as possible.

March, 2025 Schedule

Week #2 - Monday, 3/3/25 - Sunday, 3/9/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has begun in our parish and throughout the Archdiocese. Last week was the Appeal Kick-off; I hope by now you have all received a request for support from Archbishop Coyne. If not, please let our office know as soon as possible. I ask that you please be as generous as your means permit to fund the charitable works of our Archdiocese.

Our goal is to engage our entire parish family in this year’s Appeal. Please pray for the success of the Appeal, both here in our parish and across the entire Archdiocese.

If you did not receive the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal request mailing, please pick up a packet at the Church doors as you leave today.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Through our participation in the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord, we may bring the light of hope and joy to those who are suffering and do not yet know our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is now underway in our parish. Our goal is to engage our entire parish family in this year’s Appeal and to pray for the success of the Appeal, both here in our parish and across the three counties of the Archdiocese.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/. No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Please respond as generously as your means allow.

Week #3 - Monday, 3/10/25 - Sunday, 3/16/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord presents each of us with the opportunity to give back to the Lord by helping those in need. Thank you for your support of this year’s Appeal and please pray for its success – so many are counting on us! If you have not yet made your 2025 Appeal pledge please join your fellow parishioners and make a gift today by returning the pledge card mailed to you. Gifts can also be made online at www.archdioceseofhartford.org by clicking the donate button on top of the website.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That we may recognize our call to support the ministries of our Church through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and be resolved to practice our faith in this very meaningful way. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal helps provide the critical funding needed to feed the hungry, shelter the unhoused, counsel those in despair, offer much-needed assistance to the unemployed, and make medical care available to those without health insurance. Your gift to the 2025 Appeal will help to continue these and other vital ministries, services, and programs that reach out to so many in need.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #4 - Monday, 3/17/25 - Sunday, 3/23/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

I want to thank everyone that has already contributed to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet made your 2025 Appeal gift please join your fellow parishioners and make a gift today by returning the pledge card mailed to you. Gifts can also be made online at www.archdioceseofhartford.org by clicking the donate button on top of the website.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

For the thousands of people needing assistance from the various ministries supported by the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, that their needs will be met by our generosity to this year’s Appeal. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is now underway in our parish. Your support of this year’s Appeal ensures that essential charitable, educational, and pastoral ministries of the Archdiocese of Hartford will be carried forward.

• Since 1997, Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Vicariate Outreach Program has been able to provide over $22 million in funding to community-based local charities throughout Hartford, New Haven and Litchfield Counties to assist them in their important work of serving the needs of God’s people. In 2024, we were able to provide over $1,000,000 to more than 160 various organizations, nominated by pastors, across the Archdiocese.
• Organizations such as [VOP Programs/organizations in your parish community please refer to the Accountability Report on pages 37 – 39 of the Operational Manual for your local organizations] right here in our own town received funding from the Appeal’s Vicariate Outreach Program that makes a difference in serving our neighbors.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #5 - Monday, 3/24/25 - Sunday, 3/30/25

SUGGESTED PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, in conjunction with the Office of Communications is continuing the web-series called, The Appeal at Work. The season premier will be air on Thursday, 4/3/25 on all Archdiocesan Social Media sites as well as the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal webpage. New episodes will air the first week of May & June. Episodes will highlight some of the many wonderful ministries supported by the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord. If you go to the Annual Appeal website, https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/, you will find a link for each episode. Please tune in on the third for the season premier.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That we may recognize our call to work together to support the ministries of our Church through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and resolve to put our faith into action in this very meaningful and practical way.We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

To view some of the wonderful things accomplished through your generosity, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is continuing the web-series called, The Appeal at Work. The season premiere will be airing on Thursday, 4/3/25 on all Archdiocesan Social Media sites as well as the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal webpage. New episodes will also air the first week of May & June. Episodes will highlight some of the wonderful ministries supported by the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord by going to the Annual Appeal website,https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/, you will find a link for each episode. Please tune in on the third for the season premier.

April, 2025 Schedule

Week #6 - Monday, 3/31/25 - Sunday, 4/6/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

You may have or will be very soon receiving a letter and pledge card from me seeking your support of this year’s Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Please prayerfully consider your response. Know that your financial support will touch the lives of thousands of people who are served in our Archdiocese through your support of the Appeal.

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord, presents each of us with the opportunity to give back to the Lord by helping those in need. Thank you for your support of this year’s Appeal and please pray for its success – so many are counting on us. Thank you.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That we may recognize our call to work together to support the ministries of our Church through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and resolve to put our faith into action in this very meaningful and practical way. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

In just a few short weeks, our parish has raised $[amount raised] for the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports many important ministries and programs within the Archdiocese. Gifts are allocated towards religious education programs, youth ministries, local charities, the education of our seminarians, support for our retired clergy, our Catholic schools, and the many ministries provided daily by the Archdiocese. If you have not made a gift, please prayerfully consider making a pledge or one-time gift. Join us, your parish community, and Trust in the Lord, by sharing your blessings with the less fortunate.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #7 - Monday, 4/7/25 - Sunday, 4/13/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord presents each of us with the opportunity to give back to the Lord by helping those in need. Thank you for your support of this year’s Appeal and please pray for its success – so many are counting on us! If you have not yet made your 2025 Appeal pledge, please join your fellow parishioners and make a gift today by returning the pledge card mailed to you. Gifts can also be made online at https://archdioceseofhartford.org by clicking the donate button on the top of the Website.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That our participation in the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal will put us in solidarity with those who suffer or are in need of any kind…and that those in need may find the guidance and assistance from the many ministries and services made possible by the Appeal. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

It is important that when you give to any charitable organization, you are confident that the funds received are being used wisely. Be assured that your gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports the ministries and programs indicated in the 2025 Appeal literature! Organizations such as [VOP Programs/organizations in your parish community please refer to the Accountability Report on page 37 for your local organizations] right here in our own town received funding from the Appeal’s Vicariate Outreach Program that makes a difference in the lives of our local neighbors. Please visit the Appeal website at www.archdioceseofhartford.org to learn more and make your gift today.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #8 - Monday, 4/14/25 - Sunday, 4/20/25

HOLY WEEK - OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

OPTIONAL PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge commitment to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. This is a tangible opportunity for us to help individuals and families through the many charitable programs made possible by the Appeal. Every gift makes a difference. Please join us once again in making a gift to this year’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord.

OPTIONAL PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That during this year's Archbishop's Annual Appeal --Trust in the Lord -- we may take time to reflect, pray and decide how we will share our blessings with those served by the Appeal. We pray to the Lord.

OPTIONAL BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please consider prayerfully supporting the many Good Works of the Archdiocese. Every gift will be gratefully received and sincerely appreciated.

Week #9 - Monday, 4/21/25 - Sunday, 4/27/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

I am excited to share our parish’s progress so far in the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Each parish has received a goal for this year’s Appeal. As I have mentioned previously, our parish goal is $[parish goal]. This goal is our parish’s offering to the overall Appeal effort. By reaching or exceeding our goal we support the many “Good Works” and ministries our Archdiocese offers to those who seek religious education, pastoral support, and charitable care – all made possible by the Appeal.

As of last week, a total of $[amount pledged to date] has been raised in our parish with gifts from [number of donors] individuals and families. Already, we have accomplished so much. Thank you to those who have made a pledge to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have yet to make your commitment, your generosity is very much needed. I again ask that you please participate in this year’s Appeal according to your means. Gifts of all sizes will make the Appeal a success. Please join us in supporting Trust in the Lord the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and help our parish to reach its goal.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That we may recognize how the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal unites us as one family in Christ through the Eucharist, and how we are called to offer our gifts as followers of Jesus mindful that in doing so we are working together for the salvation of the world. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

In just a few short weeks, our parish has raised $[amount raised] for the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet made your gift to this year’s Appeal, please consider doing so in the days ahead. Your gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal will help continue the vital services, ministries and programs that help so many throughout our Archdiocese.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #10 - Monday, 4/28/25 - Sunday, 5/4/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

If you have not yet made your contribution to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, I ask that you take a few moments in the days ahead to consider prayerfully your gift decision. Your help is very much needed. Each contribution ensures that the ministries, programs, and services of the Church remain strong throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

We pray that through our participation in the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, we may encounter Jesus Christ and draw others into deeper intimacy with the Lord building on the wonderful heritage of our Catholic faith. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge commitment to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet had the opportunity, please consider prayerfully supporting the many “Good Works” of the Archdiocese. Every gift will be gratefully received and sincerely appreciated.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

May, 2025 Schedule

Week #11 - Monday, 5/5/25 - Sunday, 5/11/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

I want to express my gratitude to those who have already made a gift or a pledge. Each parish is asked to raise a target amount – essentially, our parish’s portion of the overall Appeal goal of $10 million. Our parish goal is $[parish goal], and to date we have raised [percent raised] % with gifts from [number of parish donors] households here in our parish or [participation rate percent] % Participation Rate. As a parish family we are striving for a 75% Rate of Participation.

If you have not yet made your contribution to the Appeal, I ask that you take a few moments in the days ahead to consider prayerfully your gift decision. Your help is very much needed. Each contribution ensures that the ministries, programs, and services of the Church remain strong throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That we as members of the Archdiocese of Hartford may unite in service to the Lord and support the educational, spiritual, pastoral, and charitable works of our Archdiocese through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal provides help to those in need! Together, we can and do make a profound difference in the lives of many individuals and families, in a way that exceeds anything we could hope to achieve on our own. Please consider supporting this important initiative. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Organizations such as [VOP Programs/organizations in your parish community please refer to the Accountability Report on page 37 for your local organizations] right here in our own town received funding from the Appeal’s Vicariate Outreach Program which serves our local neighbors.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/ No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #12 - Monday, 5/12/25 - Sunday, 5/18/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

I want to thank everyone that has already contributed to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet made your 2025 Appeal gift please join your fellow parishioners, and me, in making a gift today by returning the pledge card mailed to you. Gifts can also be made online at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal by clicking the donate button on top of the website.

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord, presents each of us with the opportunity to give back to the Lord by helping those in need. Thank you for your support of this year’s Appeal and please pray for its success – so many are counting on us!

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

For the success of the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and for the success of the many services and programs your generosity to the Appeal makes possible. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal changes lives through service. In addition to assisting the underserved of our communities, your gift helps those discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Your gift to the Appeal is an investment in the future of our Church and our faith. Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations especially in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please prayerfully consider a gift today. Be assured every dollar of your gift will have a positive impact in someone’s life.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #13 - Monday, 5/19/25 - Sunday, 5/25/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

Stewardship calls us to be grateful for our blessings by acknowledging God’s gifts, and expressing thanks to Him. We do this by giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We sincerely thank the [number] households in our parish who, as good stewards, have made a gift to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. By doing so you are supporting so many people with extraordinary needs. If you have not yet made your pledge, please consider supporting the Appeal and help our parish meet its goal.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That as members of the Archdiocese of Hartford, we may unite as one family of faith, and strengthen our commitment to God while aiding those in need through participation in the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge commitment to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet had the opportunity, please consider prayerfully supporting the many “Good Works” of the Archdiocese. Every gift will be gratefully received and sincerely appreciated.

Week #14 - Monday, 5/26/25 - Sunday, 6/1/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

If you have not yet made your contribution to the Appeal, I ask that you take a few moments in the days ahead to consider prayerfully your gift decision. Your help is very much needed. Each contribution ensures that the ministries, programs, and services of the Church remain strong throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford. Gifts of all sizes will make the Appeal a success. Please join me and your fellow parishioners in supporting Trust in the Lord the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

For the success of the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, and for the success of the many services and programs your generosity to the Appeal makes possible.  We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal changes lives through service. In addition to assisting the underserved of our communities, your gift helps those discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Your gift to the Appeal is an investment in the future of our Church and our faith. Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations especially in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please prayerfully consider a gift today. Be assured every dollar of your gift will have a positive impact in someone’s life.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

June, 2025 Schedule

Week #15 - Monday, 6/2/25 - Sunday, 6/8/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

I want to thank everyone that has already contributed to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet made your 2025 Appeal gift please join your fellow parishioners and make a gift today by returning the pledge card mailed to you. Gifts can also be made online at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal by clicking the donate button on top of the website.

The 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Trust in the Lord, presents each of us with the opportunity to give back to the Lord by helping those in need. Thank you for your support of this year’s Appeal and please pray for its success – so many are counting on us!

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

That through our support of Archbishop's Annual Appeal, we may make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and the wider community. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

It is fundamental that when you give to any charitable organization, you are confident the funds are used wisely. Be assured that your gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports the catholic ministries and programs as indicated in the 2025 Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/ No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.

Week #16 - Monday, 6/9/25 - Sunday, 6/15/25

PULPIT ANNOUNCEMENT

As the active phase of the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal begins to wind down, I want to express my gratitude to those who have already made a gift or a pledge.

Each parish is asked to raise a target amount – essentially, our parish’s portion of the overall Appeal goal of $10 million. To date we have raised [percent raised] % of our goal with gifts from[ [number of parish donors] households which is [participation rate] % of our registered families in our parish.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

For healing of our world...that each of us may do our part to provide love and support for those struggling with emotional and mental health concerns through our gifts to this year’s Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. We pray to the Lord.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal changes lives through service. In addition to assisting the underserved of our communities, your gift helps those discerning a vocation to the priesthood. Your gift to the Appeal is an investment in the future of our Church and our faith. Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations especially in the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Thank you to the parish families who have made a gift or pledge to the 2025 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. If you have not yet participated, please prayerfully consider a gift today. Be assured every dollar of your gift will have a positive impact in someone’s life.

All funds contributed to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the Appeal literature, which can be found at https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal/.  No Appeal funds are ever used for legal fees or settlements.