Grants

Through grantmaking, we are able to strengthen our community and allow focus to shift from financial insecurities to remain on Catholic ministry.

Grant making is the ultimate measure of success at the Catholic Community Foundation. We focus on strengthening the community through fund development and grant making in support of Catholic ministry. Our grants are made possible through the generous philanthropy of the donors who contribute to the funds of the Foundation.

Types of Grants

We make grants from a number of different sources. Below are the main types of grants that the Foundation generates:

Living the Faith Grants - Open Application

The Living the Faith Grant Cycle is the Catholic Community Foundation’s annual open application grant process. Parishes in the Diocese of San Jose are invited to apply for grants in all grant categories.

Learn more about the Living the Faith Grant Cycle >>

Designated Endowment Grants

These grants come from Designated Endowments – endowments that support one organization or ministry FOREVER. A Designated Endowment will always only grant to one organization for the purpose set out at the creation of the fund. The Foundation grants from these endowments once a year and there is no application required.

Learn more about Designated Endowment grants >> More information coming soon.

Donor Advised Fund Grants

Many individuals and families use Donor Advised Funds at the Foundation to realize their philanthropic goals. Fund holders can recommend grants to Catholic and non-Catholic non-profit organizations all over the United States. Fund holders can recommend grants at any time. The Foundation educates DAF holders about local opportunities and organizations to which they may be interested in recommending a grant.

Learn more about Donor Advised Funds >>

Family Endowment Grants

A Family Endowment is a permanent fund created by an individual or family which will grant in their name to the organizations they love FOREVER. The family that creates the fund decides who the recipients of the fund will be. Many times, this type of endowment is funded using a bequest and the granting does not begin until after the donors’ lifetimes. The recipients of grants from Family Endowments are notified via letter of the grant and do not need to fill out any application to receive these grants.

Learn more about Family Endowments >>

Grant History

Download our full grant history report here >>

Grant Stories

Living the Faith Grant Results 2025

Oct 17, 2025

One of the key objectives of the Catholic Community Foundation is to support the Pastoral Plan of the Diocese of San José. In 2025 we refreshed our annual open application granting process - the Living the Faith Grant Cycle - to align closely with the pillars of the...

A Tapestry of Grace: Queen of Apostles Parish’s Collaborative Leap

Sep 6, 2025

By Marie Galetto-Dugoni Queen of Apostles Parish has a vision that weaves together formation, engagement, and worship into a vibrant tapestry of faith. Through their application in the Catholic Community Foundation’s Living the Faith Grant Cycle, their commitment to...

The Enduring Legacy of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph

Apr 3, 2025

By Marie Galetto-Dugoni In the heart of Silicon Valley stands a symbol of enduring faith, tradition, and community—the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph. The oldest non-mission Catholic parish in California, established in 1803 and rebuilt in 1877, this sacred space...