Love & Charity 2025 Celebration
Honoring Our Donors’ Generosity and Impact
At the heart of the Love & Charity grant program is a simple yet profound truth: generosity changes lives. Through the dedication of our donors, this program evangelizes the Catholic faith, strengthens Catholic education, supports families in need, and sustains vital ministries and parishes across West Michigan. Every grant awarded is a reflection of the generosity of our donors.
The impact of Love & Charity extends far beyond financial support. It nurtures faith, fosters opportunity, and ensures that the Catholic community in West Michigan continues to flourish for generations to come.
Hear How These Grants Directly Impact Lives in West Michigan
Celebrating Our Grantmaking
Thanks to the incredible support of Bishop’s Angels and Catholic Business Leaders Forum sponsors, the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan distributed $116,250 in grants to 12 organizations—more than doubling the impact since the program began.
Catholic Charities West Michigan
Grant Amount: $13,590
St. Gianna’s No Cost Baby Boutique in Grand Rapids provides essential items to families in need. Beyond material support, St. Gianna’s offers in-home pregnancy counseling, parent support groups, and safety classes, aiming to bring hope and encouragement by walking alongside young families and supporting their tangible and intangible needs.
Catholic Schools – Diocese of Grand Rapids
Grant Amount: $11,445
Driven by the belief that Catholic education should be accessible to all families, including those with special learning needs, the Office of Catholic Schools partners with All Belong Center for Inclusive Education. Through this partnership, teachers and school staff receive professional consultation, training, and resources to create inclusive learning environments.
Divine Providence Academy at St. Joseph, Wright
Grant Amount: $1,000
In 2019, Divine Providence Academy and St. Joseph Parish introduced Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program. This grant helped purchase materials and supplies to complete their Level II and III atriums serving grades 3–8.
Harmel Academy of the Trades
Grant Amount: $10,000
Harmel Academy is a Catholic community dedicated to forming young men in faith, skilled trades, and intellectual tradition. Their newest initiative is a Mobile Lab (M-LAB), a prototype machine and auto shop built in a shipping container. The M-LAB can bring skilled trades education directly to high schools in the diocese through on-site workshops and summer programs.
Holy Spirit Parish, Grand Rapids
Grant Amount: $7,500
Holy Spirit Parish lives out its mission to “Love God…Serve Others…Grow Disciples!” through a new small groups initiative that equips parishioners to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. These eight-member groups foster evangelization by bringing parishioners together for book studies, prayer, and sharing of faith. This grant provided training for small group hosts, participant books, and additional resources.
Office of Evangelization – Diocese of Grand Rapids
Grant Amount: $20,000
More than 120 college students and young adults from the diocese joined thousands of others at the SEEK25 Conference. This grant provided scholarships removing barriers so young adults could attend and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, experience genuine fellowship, and unite as members of the Body of Christ.
Prince of Peace Parish, Muskegon
Grant Amount: $17,715
To teach Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based religious education program, adult catechists complete extensive training. When local training opportunities were scarce, Prince of Peace Parish began hosting adult formation certification courses, offering three levels of certification aligned with children’s age groups.
Renewing the Catholic Family Speakers Series
Grant Amount: $18,000
St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Paul the Apostle, and Immaculate Heart of Mary schools in Grand Rapids are hosting a speaker series for all parents in the diocese. This series aims to educate, equip, and support parents in navigating key issues affecting children today—particularly technology and morality—through a Catholic lens.
SS. Peter & Paul Parish, Ionia
Grant Amount: $5,000
The Friends of Jesus Fund, a joint community effort, offers emergency assistance to individuals and families in crisis throughout the Ionia area. In 2024, the program received over 800 calls for help, with urgent requests for shelter, rent assistance, utilities, food, and other basic necessities.
St. Mary Parish, Spring Lake
Grant Amount: $5,000
The Walking with Moms in Need, Moms Room provides at-risk moms with essential baby items, mentorship, and a welcoming community. While offering necessities like diapers, clothing, and baby gear, volunteers noticed many moms felt isolated and burdened by parenting decisions. To address this, they introduced monthly life skills classes to help build confidence and connection.
St. Paul – Newman Center, Big Rapids
Grant Amount: $2,000
The Newman Center supports Ferris State University students in their faith journey by offering community-building, spiritual formation, and outreach opportunities to help young adults deepen their relationship with Christ. This grant supported their Annual Winter Retreat, where students can destress and refocus their lives on Christ.
Youth & Young Adult Ministry – Diocese of Grand Rapids
Grant Amount: $5,000
In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Dioceses of Gaylord, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Saginaw, the Diocese of Grand Rapids is pleased to host “Anchor,” Michigan’s first biennial middle school conference. This event invites youth in grades 6-8 to experience powerful prayer, inspiring messages, and a life-changing encounter with Jesus through the Sacraments.
