Inspired by our Catholic heritage, the Connelly Foundation aims to create access for those in need and opportunity for those with vision, focusing on serving the Philadelphia area. Since 1955, it has been awarding grants to nonprofits that excel in meeting community needs.
The Connelly Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area, prioritizing programs, direct services, general operations, and capital projects within the fields of Education, Human Services, and Culture & Civic Life. In Education, it promotes access to and excellence in PreK-12 Catholic education, focusing on programs that enhance academic quality, strategic improvements for enrollment and sustainability, and increased access to Catholic education. The Human Services grants aim to alleviate urgent needs like food, shelter, and clothing while creating pathways to stability through youth and workforce development. For Culture & Civic Life, the Foundation supports access to and the development of educational programs in the arts, aiming to engage broad audiences and bridge cultural boundaries. The grant criteria evaluate the proposal's alignment with the Foundation's goals, the significance of the need addressed, and the overall quality of the proposal.