The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is pleased to announce that 22 grants totaling $83,424 were awarded to support 20 projects during its 2025 spring grant cycle. Funded by the Foundation’s Education Endowment and Faith Formation Endowment as well as endowments 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.
Gannon University in Erie, a first-time grant recipient, 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.
Click below for a 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 130 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 2025 Fall Education grant cycle will open August 11, 2025. Review the guidelines and criteria and consider applying. Online applications will be accepted through September 22, 2025.
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