“What is the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan, and why does it exist?”
This new animation offers a two-minute explanation of the Foundation, its history, and impact on our community.
A Solid Foundation for Community Impact
The Catholic Foundation strengthens our Catholic community, supporting the schools, parishes, and ministries we all care so much about.
If you are giving to Catholic causes today, contact us to see how you can make an even bigger impact with your investment.
Impact for
Today, Tomorrow and Forever
240+
Funds
$2.26
million
2021 Grants Distributed
$108 million
Assets Under
Management
81%
Supports 81% of
Catholic Schools
59%
Supports 59%
of Parishes
Because We Believe
The Catholic Foundation manifests God’s love in the world by promoting human dignity and sharing Christ’s love. Our passion is rooted in the people of our communities. Our grants support 5 key priorities.
Stories of Hope
Through the Our Shepherds – Our Future campaign, parishioners across the Diocese of Grand Rapids came together to respond to the current and future formation of diocesan priests. This endowment will provide a source of annual income for seminarian education for all time, making it possible for many young men to say ‘yes’ to the call of priesthood.
“I am confident that through all these ‘yeses’ that God will continue to serve our parishes with good, holy, humble priests for many years to come.”
-Fr. Stephen Durkee, Director of Priestly Formation
HELPing Women Say Yes to Life
HELP Pregnancy Aid offers everything from pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to parenting classes, with the goal of walking alongside women during difficult times to help them choose life. This service is completely free, and though they’ve always been able to make ends meet, they have big plans to make a bigger impact, which requires more funding. A $12,000 grant from the Providential Care Fund is helping them expand into a new building for professional service such as ultrasounds, so they can even better serve the women in their care.
“I am so thankful to the Bishop’s Angels and the Providential Care Fund. I wish they could be here every day to see the impact they are having as women choose life for their unborn children.”
– Paula Veneklase, Executive Director of HELP Pregnancy Aid
On The Road Again: God’s Roamin’ Kitchen
Food insecurity in West Michigan is a deeply rooted issue that affects 1 in 8 people in West Michigan. God’s Roamin Kitchen aims to directly tackle this immediate need, delivering hundreds of weekly meals in five underserved communities. These healthy, nutritious meals are a godsend for people struggling to meet the nutritional needs of their families. Good nutrition is an essential contributor to health, directly affecting the ability to learn, think clearly, and properly function, and God’s Roamin’ Kitchen is on the front line of the fight to end food inequity.
Bringing Catholic Education Within Reach
Currently the largest fund at the Catholic Foundation, this endowment provides more than half of the total support of the annual Bishop’s Scholarships. In addition to financial support available at individual Catholic schools, Bishop’s Scholarships awarded $518,387 to 1,105 student throughout the diocese this past academic year.
“I am especially grateful for Bishop Walkowiak who has made Catholic education even more accessible. His support has opened doors and paved the way for welcoming more families to experience the Catholic school difference – schools that prepare students to seek and fulfill God’s plan for learning and life.”
– David Faber, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
