Fueling Faith-filled Impact
Grants are one important way that we work to support Catholic-aligned nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia area. These guidelines provide an overview of all of our grant programs, however applicants should ensure that their proposed project aligns with the mission of The Catholic Foundation and the grant program’s specific focus area and requirements.
Eligibility
Applicants should confirm that they meet all eligibility requirements before applying:
The organization or project is Catholic in identity, sponsored by a Catholic entity, or clearly aligned with Catholic mission and values.
The organization is recognized as a tax-exempt nonprofit under section 501(c)(3).
The proposed work benefits the Delaware Valley community.
Appropriate institutional approval is available, such as a pastor, principal, or executive director.
Ineligible Requests
A grant program might have more specific requirements, but the following requests are typically not funded:
Requests that conflict with Catholic teaching or values
Grants to individuals
Deficit reduction or reimbursement for completed expenses
Annual appeals or fundraising events
Capital campaigns, land acquisition, or major construction, unless specifically eligible
Duplicate or incomplete applications
Review Criteria
Unless otherwise noted in the grant program description, applications are commonly reviewed according to the following criteria:
Mission: The proposal clearly reflects alignment with Catholic values.
Need: The application demonstrates a clear and credible need for the project.
Impact: The proposed work illustrates a clear and real benefit for the community, an innovative project concept, and measurable outcomes.
Feasibility: The organization has a realistic plan, timeline, staffing, and budget.
Stewardship: The request shows responsible use of funds and sound financial oversight.
Sustainability: The project has a plan for independent continuation, maintenance, or long-term benefit where appropriate.
Collaboration: Partnerships or community support strengthen the proposal, when relevant.
All applications must be submitted through our grant portal. If this is your first time submitting an application, you will need to create an account for our grant portal. Please allow up to 2 business days for your account to be approved.
Below, please find a breakdown of our 2026-2027 Grant Programs.
Women in Philanthropy Grant Program
The Women in Philanthropy grant award is made possible by a collective giving community of women who are committed to strengthening local Catholic organizations.
The award winner will be announced at The Catholic Foundation’s annual Spring Award Luncheon. The grant can be used for Catholic-aligned programs, services, necessary infrastructure, or other initiatives that support the organization’s mission.
Vocations and Priestly Formation Grant Program
The Vocations and Priestly Formation Grant Program supports Catholic initiatives that encourage and nurture vocations to the priesthood and religious life, while also strengthening the formation of seminarians and clergy.
Preservation and Liturgical Arts Grant Program
The Preservation and Liturgical Arts Grant Program supports projects or organizations that provide visual, musical, and architectural elements created to enhance and elevate Catholic worship, maintain and restore important architectural sites, or support communities in the conservation of environmental resources.
Parish Life Grant Program
The Parish Life Grant Program supports Catholic parishes and parish-based initiatives that strengthen the spiritual, communal, and pastoral life of the parish community. Grants are intended to enhance programs, ministries, and activities that foster active participation in parish life.
Evangelization and Worship Grant Program
The Evangelization and Worship Grant Program supports Catholic-aligned organizations and initiatives that foster a deeper encounter with Christ through prayer, worship, faith formation, and evangelization. Grants are intended to strengthen efforts that inspire participation in the life of the Church and advance the mission of sharing the Gospel.
Education and Youth Development Grant Program
The Education and Youth Development Grant Program promotes academic success, instruction and care for special needs populations, and flexible/innovative programs to enrich children’s lives as they learn, play, and grow.
Corporal Works of Mercy Grant Program
The Corporal Works of Mercy Grant Program is open to Catholic-aligned organizations that address the physical needs of others: Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the imprisoned, care for the sick, or bury the dead.
Alice Mayer Memorial Endowment Grant Program
By Invitation Only: The Alice Mayer Memorial Endowment Fund was established with CFGP through a generous planned gift. The CFGP Grant Committee has been entrusted to carry out this donor’s legacy by awarding grants each year that support nursing care of the aged and/or disabled community.
Advancement Scholarship
The Advancement Scholarship is awarded to a freshman entering a degree program at an accredited college or university who attended a Catholic school in the 5-county Philadelphia area. This scholarship will be given each year for four years to the winning recipient if eligibility is maintained. Ideal candidates are first-generation college students who attended at least 8 years of Catholic school and who have demonstrated college readiness, including grades, leadership, and engagement in extracurricular activities. Scholarship Criteria: A first-generation college entrant; a Catholic school graduate of at least 8 years spanning elementary school and high school, but the person does not necessarily have to be Catholic; a person who can demonstrate probable college success, such as grades (indicating study habits), student leadership, broad engagement in campus life, and willingness to engage in new experiences—engagement will be evaluated through the lens of limited funds available to the student.