Dallas -- The Catholic Foundation awarded $787,000 in grants to North Texas churches, schools and community organizations during the Foundation’s 2017 Fall Grant Ceremony at St. Joseph’s Residence. In addition to providing scholarships, the grants will fund a variety of projects ranging from building construction and renovations to training and support programs.
Twice per year, The Catholic Foundation distributes community grants to local schools, parishes and nonprofit organizations. Grant requests are reviewed by the Board of Trustees’ Distribution Committee, followed by documented site visits through which the recipients and funding amounts are determined. Combined, the 2017 spring and fall community grants total approximately $1.8 million.
“Whether for training programs, building renovations, or disaster relief for our fellow Texans in Houston, these grants are imperative to moving the community forward,” said Matt Kramer, President and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “Due to the generosity of our donors, we are able to respond to the ever-changing needs of these impactful organizations, and it is an honor to help further their missions.”
Grants are made from the unrestricted Philanthropy Fund and restricted funds of The Catholic Foundation. Individuals or families, named or otherwise, establish restricted funds at the Foundation to benefit their communities today and for future generations. While impacting lives through the organizations they wish to support, donors benefit from the knowledge and expertise of professional Foundation staff, the maximum in tax benefits, and the assurance that the earnings from their investments will be utilized to further help their local Catholic community through the Philanthropy Fund.
The 2017 fall grant recipients and their projects are as follows. First-time Catholic Foundation grant recipients are marked with an asterisk.
AUDUBON TEXAS*: Scholarships for Students Attending Dallas Diocesan Catholic Schools
THE BELLA HOUSE*: Renovation of Second Bella House
BIRTH CHOICE: Salary for Education Program Coordinator
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF DALLAS: Hurricane Harvey Relief
CATHOLIC CONFERENCE & FORMATION CENTER: Laundry Room Renovation
CHILDCAREGROUP*: Renovation of Saner Center
DALLAS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM/CENTER FOR EDUCATION & TOLERANCE: Scholarships for Students Attending Dallas Diocesan Catholic Schools
DIOCESE OF DALLAS: 2018 Amazing Parish Conference
EPIPHANY QUASI-PARISH: Construction of Driveway, Parking Lot & Sidewalk
IN MY SHOES, INC.*: Purchase of Two New Minivans
LIFE PERSPECTIVES*: Training for After Abortion/Miscarriage Supporters
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING CENTER OF DALLAS: Funding for Spring 2018 Training Program
NORTH TEXAS FOOD BANK: Establishment of the Jan Pruitt Community Center
ST. ALBERT THE GREAT PRIORY*: Relocate HVAC System & Replace Two Water Boilers
ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH: Restroom Renovations
ST. JUDE CATHOLIC CHURCH: Sound System & AV Equipment
SMU CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY: Funding for “Jericho” Retreat Opportunities for Students
In addition, grants will be awarded to support Catholic High School Scholarships and the Foundation’s Work of Heart Award program, which honors local Catholic School employees.