The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia (CFGP)

Members of our team recently visited the Newman Center at St. Agatha–St. James in University City. They joined PATRICK TRAVERS, Newman Director, and Raul Espericueta, Chief Development Officer, for Mass, lunch, and a tour of the vibrant space that supports the spiritual and community life of Catholic students who attend the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. We’re honored to partner with them through the St. Agatha–St. James Parish Fund at The Catholic Foundation. Support for this fund helps sustain the Parish’s many sacramental ministries, social services, and educational programs — including its Newman Ministry. Representing The Catholic Foundation were Ted Qualli, President and CEO; Garrett Owen, Chief Philanthropy Officer; and Matthew Nienas, Relationship Manager. Support their incredible work: https://lnkd.in/grYfqHrA

Last weekend, our team was honored to attend the 17th annual Man Up Philly, a powerful gathering of faith, fellowship, and inspiration. Our President & CEO Ted Qualli, Board of Trustee Dr. Max E. Mercado, Chief Philanthropy Officer Garrett Owen, Advancement Coordinator Deacon Jack Hasson, and Relationship Managers James Henry and Matthew Nienas joined hundreds of men in prayer and reflection, beginning with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez. The day featured an incredible lineup of speakers, including Brian Dawkins, Edward (Ward) Fitzgerald III, Monsignor Frederico Britto, Mark Forrest, and Eddie Morris, who shared inspiring messages of faith, perseverance, and leadership. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful experience and to witness the impact of Man Up Philly in strengthening Catholic men in their faith.

Yesterday, our President and CEO, Ted Qualli, and Chief Philanthropy Officer, Garrett Owen, visited three of The Regina Academies, independent Catholic schools in the Philadelphia area dedicated to providing an exceptional classical education to students in grades PreK-12. Rooted in faith and reason, the Regina Academies form students in truth, fostering both intellectual growth and deep joy in learning. Their curriculum follows the classical liberal arts tradition—proven for over 2,500 years to be one of the most effective ways students learn. We’re honored to partner with them through the Regina Academies Fund at The Catholic Foundation. Support their incredible work ?? https://ow.ly/HNvG50V8Ha2

Continuing our celebration of Black History Month, today we honor the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, the largest and oldest historically Black Catholic fraternal order. For more than 115 years, this organization has lived out its mission to spread faith, hope, and love through friendship, unity, and Christian charity. Their dedication to service and faith continues to strengthen the Church and uplift communities. Inspired by their patron, St. Peter Claver, they follow in the footsteps of the 17th-century Jesuit priest who ministered to enslaved Africans in Cartagena, Colombia. He met arriving ships with food, medical care, and spiritual guidance, ultimately baptizing an estimated 300,000 individuals over four decades. We are inspired by the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver and their unwavering commitment to faith, service, and justice.

This month, we proudly join others throughout our Nation in celebrating the rich history, traditions, and contributions of Black Catholics. Join us in honoring their faith, leadership, and enduring impact on our Church and community.

This Catholic Schools Week, we thank God for the gift of Catholic education, which nurtures the next generation of disciples, forming them to live for Christ and serve His Church. At The Catholic Foundation, we are honored to support Catholic education throughout the Greater Philadelphia region through our Education and Youth Development Fund. We also have funds supporting our region's Catholic Elementary Schools through the Catholic Elementary Schools Sustainability Fund as well as various individual schools and scholarship funds. Together, we are ensuring a strong future for our schools, students, and faith! Join us in praying for and supporting Catholic education! https://lnkd.in/gsjKdPGR #CSW2025

?? Highlights from Last Night's PAA Meeting Last night, The Catholic Foundation’s Professional Advisors Alliance (PAA) gathered for an engaging meeting, graciously hosted by Robert Hart, CFP—Executive Director, Banking, J.P. Morgan Private Bank and parishioner, Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish—at Overbrook Golf Club. Our President & CEO, Ted Qualli, presented on “Connecting Passion to Purpose: The Impactful Role of Community Foundations,” and Garrett Owen, our Chief Philanthropy Officer, shared insights into ways that members can assist clients in fulfilling their charitable goals. The PAA is a dedicated group of charitable gift, estate, and financial planning professionals committed to advancing philanthropy in Greater Philadelphia in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. We’re deeply grateful for their collective efforts and willingness to help secure the future of our faith! ? Want to learn more or join the PAA? Visit here ?? https://ow.ly/W6CT50UMHIn

? Final Reminder: Deadline Today The 2025 Angel Award Grant Cycle closes at 11:59 PM tonight (January 24)! This grant, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, is designed to support bold, innovative ideas that will shape the future of our local Catholic Church. If your program or ministry is sustainable, impactful, and built for lasting change, don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life. Submit your Letter of Intent now: https://ow.ly/Spxr50UMxA0 Apply now ?? https://ow.ly/Spxr50UMxA0

?? Looking Back: Celebrating an Angel Award Recipient In 2023, Live Vertical received a $35,000 Angel Award grant to expand its mission of transforming faith into a vibrant, lived experience. With the help of the Angel Award grant, Live Vertical was able to expand its mission to help create cultures of evangelization and foster encounters with Jesus in local Catholic high schools. ? Do you have a bold, innovative idea to fuel the future of our Catholic faith? If your program or project is bold, sustainable, and built for lasting impact, submit your Letter of Intent for the 2025 Angel Award by January 24, 2025. Apply now ?? https://lnkd.in/gnvTuyhy

The Catholic Foundation is pleased to welcome Ms. Kathleen D. Larkin to our Board of Trustees! Ms. Larkin brings a wealth of executive human resources leadership and consulting experience within nonprofit, for-profit, and professional services organizations, including The Pew Charitable Trusts, Korn Ferry, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and CubeSmart. Most recently, Ms. Larkin served as Chief People Officer at AnewHealth. We look forward to working with her to strengthen The Catholic Foundation's mission. Learn more about Ms. Larkin and our Board of Trustees?? https://lnkd.in/gV4vcA8S.