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Grants

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Overview

We believe that we were blessed for the specific purpose of blessing others

Since our inception in 1984, The Catholic Foundation has granted over $200 million and counting. The Catholic Foundation awards grants annually within the 23-county diocese of Columbus through responsive grants, scholarships, endowment distributions, and special granting opportunities.

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Responsive Grants

Through the generosity of our donors, The Catholic Foundation solicits applications and awards grants annually within the 23-county diocese of Columbus to organizations that fall within our four giving pillars.

Organizations

  • Parishes may apply to Parishes, Education & Faith Formation and Ministries pillars  
  • Catholic schools may apply to Education & Faith Formation pillar
  • Invited religious orders may apply to Vocations pillar
  • Invited non-profit organizations within the diocese of Columbus may apply to Ministries pillar
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Scholarships

Scholarships support promising and deserving students by assisting them with the costs of their education.

In order to be eligible, prospective applicants must reside in the diocese of Columbus. Donors often establish a scholarship fund because they have benefitted from a Catholic education in their own life and want to ensure that those same opportunities are available to future generations. 

Questions about establishing a scholarship?

Headshot of Scott Hartman.

Scott Hartman, MBA, CFRE

Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer

614-443-8893   Ext. 104
Email

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Endowment Distribution

The Catholic Foundation Board of Trustees offers beneficiaries access up to 5% of the preceding 12-quarter average balance and/or other terms in accordance with each fund’s agreement.

The open period for endowment distribution requests is March-May of each year. All distributions are made through DonorCentral.

Want more information about establishing an endowment fund for your parish, school or favorite cause?

Headshot of Scott Hartman.

Scott Hartman, MBA, CFRE

Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer

614-443-8893   Ext. 104
Email

Real-World Impact

The Catholic Foundation exists to connect donors with the profound joy that comes with Christ-inspired generosity.  Giving to make a long-term, real-world impact in our parishes, schools, vocations and ministries throughout our Columbus diocese and beyond. 

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Little girl leaning over a pew in a church.

Four Giving Pillars

Parishes

Within the 23-county diocese of Columbus, we partner with the faithful to multiply inspired generosity through the strategic investment of parish endowment funds and assist in meeting the needs of the local community of Catholic believers.

Education

Catholic education is the cradle of evangelization. We support learning beginning with pre-school, extending from kindergarten through elementary, middle and high schools to Catholic colleges and universities. We also support Parish School of Religion (PSR) programming for students learning to enrich their faith outside of Catholic schools.

Vocations

We have a deep and abiding commitment to ensure the faith for the future. Fostering programs that help men and women discern a religious life is one of the surest and strongest ways to support the next generation of Catholic leaders.

Ministries

For the front-line ministries acting as the hands and feet of Christ, we provide funding, support, and strategic counsel to help meet their needs and advance their mission.

Questions About Grants?

Our Team is Here to Help

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Contacts
Headshot of Dan Kurth.

Dan Kurth

Vice President of Grants & Community Impact

614-443-8893   Ext. 109
Email

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“Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7