The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is pleased to announce during its three 2025 grant cycles, 45 grants totaling $214,586 were awarded to support 43 projects. Funded by the Foundation’s Education Endowment, Faith Formation Endowment, and Catholic Social Ministry Endowment as well as endowments established by individuals to carry out their charitable goals, these grants support a wide range of projects and needs and will have impact throughout the thirteen counties of the Diocese of Erie.
The spring grant cycle included Gannon University in Erie, a first-time grant recipient, who received a $15,520 Education grant to support college student attendance at the FOCUS SEEK26 Conference. “The SEEK Conference is a place where students can have a powerful and living experience of the Church,” Margo Wolfe, Director of Grants, wrote in her application on behalf of campus ministry leaders at Gannon University and PennWest Edinboro. “Over the past four years, the SEEK experience has strengthened the Catholic community on our campuses and across them in the diocese.” Gannon University also received an Education grant to support campus ministry staff attendance at the Called25 Conference.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Bradford, also a first-time grant recipient, received a Faith Formation grant to support renovations to a faith formation meeting room. “This project is intended to benefit the young adults beginning with Confirmation students up through the entire adult community of the parish,” Father John Jacquel, pastor, wrote in his application. “The updates will facilitate the parish’s mission of creating a more vibrant faith community.”
Shenango Valley Catholic School System in Hermitage received a $10,000 Education grant to support upgrades to Sister Margaret’s Service Space, where students in grades 7-12 engage in community service projects aligned with Catholic teachings on service and compassion. Reganne O’Brien, Director of Advancement, wrote in her application, “The space will support efforts to address hunger, homelessness, and other local needs through partnerships with local charities. It will serve as a hub for students to plan, organize, and reflect on their service work, fostering civic responsibility and faith-based community involvement.” In addition, Erie Catholic School System, DuBois Central Catholic School, and Saint Gregory Parish School each were awarded grants to support and expand their curriculum in a variety of ways. Seton Catholic School in Meadville received an Education grant to support staff attendance at the Partners in Mission Conference.
Queen of the World Parish in Saint Marys received a Faith Formation grant and a Michael C. McCloskey Memorial grant totaling $4,100 to support the restoration and preservation of the parish’s piano and organ. “The repairs to both instruments will enhance our worship and gatherings as we come together as not only a faith community but a whole community,” Jessica Weinzierl, Business Manager, wrote in her application.
Grants were awarded to specifically support youth participation in impactful spiritual opportunities. Saint Joseph Parish/Bread of Life Community in Erie received an Education grant to support their youth trip to the National Catholic Youth Conference. Saint Mary Parish in Saint Marys received an Education grant to support a weeklong mission trip for youth through Catholic Heart Workcamp. Receiving grants to support parish summer programming for children were Saint Mary Parish and Saint George Parish in Erie.
Several parishes sought technology upgrades for their faith formation offerings. Holy Spirit Parish in DuBois received an Education grant to support the purchase of Promethean boards for classrooms. Saint Joseph Parish in Lucinda received an Education grant to update classroom technology. Saint Francis Xavier Parish in McKean received an Education grant to purchase Smart TVs for classrooms. Saint Francis Xavier Parish also received a Faith Formation grant to offset the costs of bringing a replica of the Shroud of Turin to the diocese.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Mercer received a Faith Formation grant to support Amazing Parish coaching for the pastor and parish leadership.
Finally, the Diocese of Erie Office of Faith Formation received a Bishop Donald W. Trautman ‘Feed My Sheep’ grant to create a faith formation program for youth with disabilities. They shared the following in their application. “The impact this program will have on parents and students is untold through allowing them to feel a part of a faith program, accepted unconditionally. Parents are thirsting for a Catholic program for their children to participate in with other youth. Such a program will continue to welcome children and their families and promote our Catholic faith.” The Office of Faith Formation was also awarded a grant to support the diocesan-wide Confirmation retreat planned for the fall of this year.
Catholic Social Ministry Grants are awarded to ministries and projects that embrace and align with Catholic social teaching and are answering the Gospel call to respond to needs within the community. In 2025, Saint Joseph Parish/Bread of Life Community in Erie received a grant to update and expand the space for Saint Clare’s Clothing Store, the parish’s free clothes store. “Saint Clare's Clothing Store has long served as a beacon of compassion, offering free clothing and household items to individuals and families in need,” Jean Malthaner, Director of Ministries, wrote in her application. “As economic demand grows and our vision expands, we seek to remodel and enlarge our space, transforming it into a more welcoming, efficient, and impactful resource for our community. This project will enhance our ability to serve with dignity, increase outreach, and lay the foundation for future programs that empower lives beyond clothing.”
Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services serves clients throughout the Diocese of Erie. Their grant will provide emergency financial assistance and underwrite uninsured and underinsured counseling clients. Saint Elizabeth Center in Oil City is committed to the sacredness of human life and the betterment of society and does so by assisting those in need with securing basic necessities. Their grant will provide financial assistance to their clients to prevent or reestablish utility shut offs or evictions. Saint Patrick’s Haven in Erie, a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, is a nightly refuge for homeless men. Their grant will support purchase of materials to refurbish the storage that holds guests’ personal belongings and essential health and hygiene supplies.
Prince of Peace Center in Farrell has a mission to strengthen families, build community, and reduce poverty. They received Robert M. Gallivan Charitable Endowment grants for two projects. The first grant will support the purchase of a point-of-sale system for the center’s thrift store and boutique for a better experience for their clients as well as a more efficient workflow for the volunteers who run the store. The second will support the Q Academy program, which provides mentoring and educational support for young men in grades 7-12 who lack the presence and influence of a father figure in their home.
Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish in Corry will use their grant to support Hearts & Hands: Cooking with Compassion, the parish’s community meal outreach program, through the purchase of meal containers and packaging supplies as well as supporting other needs of the ministry. “These materials are crucial for maintaining food safety, temperature, and dignity in delivery,” Melissa Silka, Business Manager, wrote in her application. “Every week, our volunteer-operated ministry that is composed of approximately 40 parishioners cook and deliver a meal directly to the homes of those facing food insecurity, mobility issues, or isolation. Our goal is to serve over 150 individuals each week, offering both nourishment and a meaningful point of human connection.”
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie is a community of women religious where 65 women live, pray, and work together as they seek God. A first-time grant recipient, their grant will support the new Benedictine Peacemakers program. This is a year-long monastic immersion experience for women ages 22-30. “The Benedictine Peacemakers program is a unique experience for women who have a desire for social change, an openness to community, and a longing for spiritual and personal growth,” Michelle Basista, Development and Communications Associate, wrote in her application. “Thank you for supporting this effort to bring new young talent to Erie while inspiring them to live the rest of their lives with the values they learn while in the program.”
The fall Education grant cycle awarded grants to parishes and schools seeking technology, spiritual opportunities, and other unique projects. The Diocese of Erie Office of Faith Formation received a $13,800 grant to support Amazing Parish Leadership Summit participation and coaching for diocesan and parish teams. Jillian Zaczyk, Executive Director, wrote in her grant application, “By combining financial planning, leadership development, and ongoing coaching, the project ensures parishes not only maintain the program but grow as engaged, mission-driven communities with lasting spiritual and organizational vitality.”
The Diocese of Erie Communications Office received a grant to support attendance at the Catholic Media Conference as well as new technology for evangelization efforts. “Our goal is to deepen faith among those we serve and extend outreach beyond the pews, with the hope of growing our Catholic family to over 200,000,” Allison Mosier, Director of Communications, wrote in her grant application.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie received a grant to support faculty and staff attendance at the Mercy Education Conference. “This conference will serve faculty and staff, enhancing their ability to support students academically, spiritually, and emotionally,” Jessica Gray, Director of Advancement, wrote in her grant application. “Students are the ultimate beneficiaries of this formation.”
Several school systems were also grant recipients in this cycle. Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory School System in Erie received a grant to support a retreat day for Cathedral Preparatory School and Mother Teresa Academy faculty. Elk County Catholic School System in Saint Marys, a first-time grant recipient, received a grant to purchase new items for their STREAM curriculum. Shenango Valley Catholic School System in Hermitage received two grants to provide their students with two faith-filled opportunities: a NET Ministries retreat for Kennedy Catholic High School Students and attendance at the Washington, D.C. March for Life. Of the ministries retreat, Heidi Lamancusa, Director of Advancement, wrote in her grant report, “We would like to give the students an opportunity to reflect on their faith and personal goals related to future mission work. I believe the missionaries inspire the upper classmen to think about what their commitment to faith looks like post-graduation and even further in the future.”
Many parishes received grants for spiritual opportunities for their parishioners. Saint Stephen/De San Estaban Parish in Erie was a first-time grant recipient and received a grant to support the purchase of Spanish bibles and catechisms for small groups and bible studies. Holy Spirit Parish in DuBois received a grant to support the purchase of materials and media for several courses and lectures for adult spiritual formation. Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish in North East received a grant to support a bible study on the Gospel of Matthew. Saint Mark Parish in Emporium received a grant to purchase spiritual books and DVDs for the parish library.
Additionally, the Diocese of Erie Office for Women Religious received a grant to support the Catholic Rural Ministry in Oil City. Specifically, the grant will assist in the purchase of materials for the sisters to provide spiritual enrichment programs and activities.
Saint Joseph Parish in Sharon received a grant to support Edge Social Nights for parish youth. Our Lady of Peace Parish in Erie received a grant to support costs associated with the Risen and Rooted Regional Catholic Youth Ministry Summer Mission Trip. This trip “provides high school youth from across the Diocese with a chance to come together for service and spiritual formation,” Sarah Beaver, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, wrote in her grant application. “Participants will engage in acts of service, retreat-style small groups, and community-building activities at various locations throughout the Diocese and the state.”
Youth ministry in the diocese is further supported by a $10,000 grant awarded to The Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville. This grant will assist with costs associated with youth attending Catholic Heart Work Camp and Steubenville Youth Conference, including support for group activities surrounding the trips. “The main part of this project is through Catholic Heart Work Camp, a service-based trip,” Sergio Cortes Lacayo, Director of Youth Faith Formation/Youth Minister wrote in his grant application. “The program engages the kids not only in a spiritual and intellectual way but also allows them to put that faith in practice through service in the community.”
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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 140 funds that provide grants and distributions to parishes, schools, and Catholic ministries in northwest Pennsylvania. The 2025 Catholic Foundation competitive grants were made possible through our Education Endowment, Faith Formation Endowment, and Catholic Social Ministry Endowment, as well as the Michael C. McCloskey Memorial Endowment, Robert M. Gallivan Charitable Endowment, and Bishop Donald W. Trautman 'Feed My Sheep" Endowment. Donations in any amount designated for these funds increase our capacity to award grants for impactful projects today and for future generations.