The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that fifteen grants totaling $52,552 were awarded to support fifteen projects during our 2025 Fall Education competitive grant cycle. Funded by the Foundation’s Education Endowment, these grants will support a wide range of projects in multiple geographic areas.
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.”
Click below for a full list of grantees.
We are pleased to announce the Catholic Foundation's 2026 grant cycles.
Spring Education Grant applications will be accepted February 16, 2026 through March 30, 2026.
Faith Formation Grant applications will be accepted February 16, 2026 through March 30, 2026.
Catholic Social Ministry applications will be accepted June 15, 2026 through July 27, 2026.
Fall Education Grant applications will be accepted August 10, 2026 through September 21, 2026.
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