The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that 24 grants totaling $65,866 were awarded to support 20 projects during its 2026 spring grant cycles. Funded by the Foundation’s Education Endowment and Faith Formation Endowment as well as funds established by individuals to carry out their charitable goals, these grants will support a wide range of projects and needs and will have an impact throughout the thirteen counties of the Diocese of Erie.
Saint James Parish in Erie, a first-time grant recipient, received four grants to support three projects. An Education grant and a Richard J. Buseck and Sally M. Buseck grant were awarded to support a weeklong mission trip for youth through Catholic Heart Workcamp. “Saint James has reserved twenty slots and has opened them to youth from other parishes,” Mary Shchouchkoff, faith formation leader, wrote in her grant application. “We have four parishes involved now and will be traveling alongside Meadville parishes. Youth will learn to do God's work while becoming one family with others.” A second Education grant was awarded to support spiritual director training for Deacon Dave Jacquel through the Road to Emmaus Spiritual Director Training Program. “This training would increase the effectiveness what I currently offer, and allow me to provide similar direction to parishioners,” Deacon Jacquel wrote in his grant application. Finally, a Faith Formation grant was awarded to support their summer Vacation Bible School programming.
Christ the King Parish in Houtzdale, also a first-time grant recipient, received a Faith Formation grant to support a performance of “Sermon on the Mount” and “Hollywood vs. Faith” by actor Frank Runyeon. Saint John the Baptist Parish in Erie also received a Faith Formation grant, to support their parish mission “60 Minutes for Jesus” led by Fr. Jim Sichko. “His presentation, “60 Minutes for Jesus,” uses storytelling, scripture, humor, music, and personal witness to engage all ages and invite deeper discipleship,” Deacon Denis Coan wrote in his grant application. “The mission addresses our pastoral need to welcome back inactive Catholics, strengthen parish unity, and renew families in faith.”
Catholic schools also received Education grants to support both high-tech and low-tech needs. DuBois Central Catholic School System in DuBois will use their grant to purchase Promethean interactive display boards for five classrooms as well as teacher training for the boards. “Teachers' uses of these boards include creating interactive multimedia lessons and presentations with integrated audio and video, taking classes on virtual field trips of museums and historical sites, recording lessons for substitute teachers, and documenting student achievements,” Sandra Sherry, Director of Communications, wrote in her grant application. “The boards are interactive, allowing students to work on problems both independently and collaboratively.” Shenango Valley Catholic School System in Hermitage will use their grant to purchase new reading materials for students in grades 6-12.
Parishes were also awarded various grants to update technology needs. Saint Mark Parish in Emporium received an Education grant to support the purchase of new computers for faith formation and a new tablet for music ministry. Immaculate Conception Parish in Brookville and Queen of the World Parish in Saint Marys each received a Faith Formation grant. Queen of the World Parish will use their grant to assist in enhancing the educational technology that is utilized by all members of the parish. Immaculate Conception Parish in Brookville will use their grant to purchase new technology for faith formation, as well as other materials to support retreats and group activities for the students.
Saint Francis Xavier Parish in McKean was awarded a Bishop Donald W. Trautman ‘Feed My Sheep’ grant to purchase resources to help promote vocations in the parish. “We are building a Vocation Ministry Team,” Irene Schneider, Director of Evangelization, explained in her grant application. “In being a parish that helps foster vocations, our families and the entire diocese will benefit as vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and holy matrimony are realized.”
Holy Spirit Parish in DuBois was awarded an Education grant and a Michael C. McCloskey Memorial grant to support attendance at the National Pastoral Musician’s Conference “Forever We Will Sing.” The parish also received a Faith Formation grant to support faith formation student attendance at Damascus Summer Camp. Saint Mary Parish in Saint Marys received four grants to support three projects. An Education grant and a Richard J. Buseck and Sally M. Buseck grant were awarded to support a weeklong mission trip for youth through Catholic Heart Workcamp, a Faith Formation grant was awarded to support their summer Vacation Bible School programming, and an Education grant was awarded to support the purchase of a TV and cart for faith formation and small group activities.
Finally, offices of the Diocese of Erie received multiple grants. The Office of Faith Formation was awarded an Education grant to support Creighton NaPro Medical Consultant training for one individual. “Creighton NaPro Medical Consultants specialize in women's health and infertility and practice 100% in accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church,” Cathy Dornisch, the Diocesan NFP Coordinator, explained in her grant application. “Diocesan residents currently travel to Harrisburg and Ohio to receive this care. The diocese has been seeking a NaPro trained doctor for eight years.” The office also received a Faith Formation grant and a Bishop Donald W. Trautman ‘Feed My Sheep’ grant to support the startup of a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program with training for catechists, renting space, and materials needed to set up the space. The Chancery received two Education grants to support attendance at the Pope Leo XIII Institute Summer Conference and the annual Canon Law Society of America national meeting.
Click below for full list of grantees.
Be the Spark to light the fire of faith in others!
The Catholic Foundation has been blessed by generous donors who give with their heart in support of the mission of the Catholic Church now and forever. Thanks to these committed Catholics, the Foundation manages over 150 funds that provide grants and distributions to parishes, schools, and Catholic ministries in northwest Pennsylvania. Education grants are made possible specifically through donations designated for the Education Endowment and Faith Formation grants are made possible through donations designated for the Faith Formation Endowment. Donations in any amount designated for these funds increase our capacity to award grants for impactful projects today and for future generations.
Parishes and Catholic Schools are invited to apply!
The 2026 Fall Education grant cycle will open August 10, 2026. Review the guidelines and criteria and consider applying. Online applications will be accepted through September 21, 2026.