Foundations in Faith Approves $1 Million in General Operating Support Grants for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
On March 25, 2025, the Foundations in Faith (FIF) Board of Directors approved a slate of General Operating Support grants to various diocesan programs committed to advancing pastoral initiatives across the Diocese. These grants provide financial assistance to vital organizations and programs supporting seminarians, vocations, retired priests, Catholic education, pastoral care, special needs services, and more.
A total of $1,017,595 in funding has been allocated across multiple grantees, underscoring FIF’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Catholic faith and supporting The One—the Diocese of Bridgeport movement to renew the ecclesia culture of our Church (www.bridgeportdiocese.org/the-one). Notably, this approval includes FIF’s inaugural grant to Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, a direct result of last year’s merger with Foundations in Charity. Below is a breakdown of the approved grants:
- St. Charles Borromeo Fund for Seminarians & Vocations
The St. Charles Borromeo Fund supports seminarians and vocations within the Church. The following organizations received the corresponding grants:
- Diocese of Bridgeport Office of Vocations: $30,105
- Redemptoris Mater Seminarians: $30,000
- Diocese of Bridgeport Office of Seminarians: $236,474
- Designation by the Bishop – McGivney Society: $4,889
These funds will help foster new vocations and provide financial support for seminarians preparing for service in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
- St. John Vianney Fund for Retired Priests
The St. John Vianney Fund supports the care of retired priests who have dedicated their lives to ministry. A grant of $57,997 was approved for the Our Queen of Clergy Residence, which provides housing and care for retired clergy. - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Fund for Catholic Schools
FIF remains committed to supporting Catholic education. The Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools was awarded $270,669 to enhance educational programs, resources, and access to quality Catholic education throughout the region. - St. John Bosco Fund for Special Needs in Catholic Schools
Accompanying our vulnerable is an integral focus for FIF. The Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools – Special Needs program received $20,298 to provide the necessary support and resources for students with disabilities, ensuring they have access to the benefits our Catholic schools have to offer students and their families. - St. Catherine Center for Special Needs Fund
The St. Catherine Center for Special Needs was awarded $20,740 to continue its mission of offering specialized programs and services to individuals with special needs, promoting inclusion and educational opportunities within the Church community. - Lourdes Fund for Pastoral Care in Nursing Homes
The Lourdes Fund supports pastoral care for nursing home residents. Two key initiatives received grants:
- Office of Clergy & Religious – Pastoral Care in Nursing Homes: $20,298
- Office of Clergy & Religious – JPII Center, Danbury Pastoral Care: $17,152
These funds will help provide spiritual support to elderly and infirm members of our Catholic community, ensuring they have access to attending Mass and receiving formation and the sacraments in their later years.
- Catholic Charities of Fairfield County Fund
Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Inc. received $308,973 to continue its vital work providing a wide range of social services to those in need, including food, shelter, counseling, and outreach programs for individuals and families.
Total Funding Recommendation
In total, the FIF Board approved grants totaling $1,017,595, reflecting the foundation’s dedication to building a stronger Catholic community through these impactful ministries. These funds have been made possible by the Faith in the Future Capital Campaign, We Stand with Christ Capital Campaign, and donor-designated contributions.
In June, the Board is expected to approve grants from the St. John Paul II Fund for Faith Formation and St. Therese Fund for Evangelization. Carol Incarnacao-Schirm, Grants Manager, has been promoting the application window through multiple channels and direct communication with past applicants and grant recipients since February. “It’s always an exciting time to review and approve program support applications from parishes and deaneries as they illuminate the exciting activities planned for the upcoming liturgical year.”
Grants by Foundations in Faith exemplify its commitment to empowering and transforming pastoral ministries in the Diocese of Bridgeport by inspiring discipleship and providing essential funding, guidance, and resources, all in service of The One.
