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Padre Pio Foundation Of America Inc

Annual Giving
$1.2M
Grant Range
$90K - $0.2M

Padre Pio Foundation Of America Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,152,080 (2024)
  • Revenue: $8,085,879 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $13,677,780 (2024)
  • Grant Range: $90,000 - $160,000 (known grants)
  • Awards per Year: 12 (2024), 7 (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: National and international (focus on Connecticut and Italy)
  • EIN: 061023010

Contact Details

Padre Pio Foundation of America Inc 463 Main Street Cromwell, CT 06416

Overview

Founded in 1977, the Padre Pio Foundation of America is a 501(c)(3) religious charitable organization dedicated to spreading devotion to Padre Pio while continuing his legacy of serving those in need. With total assets of $13.7 million and annual revenue exceeding $8 million, the foundation has demonstrated substantial growth from $790,989 in net assets in 2011 to its current position. The foundation's mission encompasses promoting spirituality and teachings of Padre Pio, supporting religious and priestly vocations, preserving holy places associated with Padre Pio (particularly in Pietrelcina and San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy), and performing corporal and spiritual works of mercy. In fiscal year 2024, the foundation distributed $1,152,080 in grants to various organizations. The foundation maintains a Four-Star rating (90%) from Charity Navigator, indicating strong accountability and financial management practices.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes discretionary grants through trustee-directed giving rather than through open application cycles. Known grant amounts range from $90,000 to $160,000.

Priority Areas

Religious and Spiritual

  • Support for priestly vocations and religious life
  • Preservation and maintenance of holy sites associated with Padre Pio, including his home village of Pietrelcina, Italy, and the Capuchin Friary and Church in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
  • Religious retreats and spiritual development programs
  • Support for diocesan organizations and Catholic institutions

Healthcare and Medical

  • Children's cancer treatment and care
  • Hospital equipment and infrastructure (particularly Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Padre Pio's hospital in Italy)
  • Healthcare facilities for vulnerable populations
  • Medical care for children and elderly

Charitable and Community Services

  • Support for disabled veterans
  • Public safety initiatives (K9 units for police departments)
  • Elderly care facilities
  • Disaster relief and humanitarian aid
  • Food security programs

International Focus

  • Significant support for projects in Italy related to Padre Pio's legacy
  • International humanitarian missions (Vietnam, Philippines, and other countries)

Recent Grant Examples

  • Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocesan Corporation: $160,000
  • Disabled Veterans National Foundation: $150,000
  • National Children's Cancer Society: $100,000
  • Children's Cancer Assistance Fund: $90,000
  • Cromwell Police Department K9 Unit (amount undisclosed)
  • Sisters of the Visitation (Vietnam elderly care home)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

  • Julie Fitts Ritter, Executive Director (compensation: $146,591 in 2024)

Board of Directors

  • Andrew Becker, President
  • Enzo Faienza, Treasurer
  • Susan Debartoli, Secretary

Julie Fitts Ritter has described the foundation's work as continuing Padre Pio's "legacy of faith, healing, and compassion." In announcing the $100,000 grant to the National Children's Cancer Society, she emphasized the foundation's commitment to ensuring children can access life-saving cancer treatments.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Padre Pio Foundation of America makes grants through trustee discretion rather than accepting unsolicited applications. Grants are awarded based on board decisions aligned with the foundation's mission to continue Padre Pio's works of mercy and charity.

The foundation's grantmaking appears to be initiated by the board and leadership rather than in response to external applications. Organizations interested in funding should focus on relationship building and mission alignment rather than submitting formal proposals.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made through board discretion on an ongoing basis rather than through fixed application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since the Padre Pio Foundation of America does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analyzing their grantmaking patterns reveals clear priorities:

Mission Alignment is Critical

  • The foundation consistently funds organizations that align with Padre Pio's spiritual legacy and works of mercy
  • Projects supporting vulnerable populations (children with cancer, disabled veterans, the elderly) receive significant support
  • Religious vocations and preservation of Catholic heritage sites remain core priorities

Types of Organizations Funded

  • Catholic diocesan organizations and religious institutions
  • Healthcare organizations, particularly those serving children
  • Veterans support organizations
  • Local community safety initiatives (their support for Cromwell Police K9 unit demonstrates local community engagement)
  • International humanitarian organizations working in areas aligned with the foundation's mission

Grant Characteristics

  • Grants typically range from $90,000 to $160,000 based on available data
  • The foundation made 12 grants in 2024, indicating selective but consistent grantmaking
  • Both domestic (Connecticut-based and national) and international organizations receive support
  • Healthcare and religious causes appear to receive the largest grants

Relationship Building Approach

  • Organizations funded appear to have clear connections to the foundation's core mission
  • The foundation's headquarters in Cromwell, CT suggests potential preference for Connecticut-based organizations alongside national and international causes
  • Connection to Catholic Church hierarchy and institutions appears beneficial

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - this foundation makes grants through board discretion and trustee-directed giving
  • Mission alignment with Padre Pio's legacy is essential - focus on works of mercy, religious vocations, healthcare for vulnerable populations, and Catholic heritage
  • Grant amounts are substantial - known grants range from $90,000 to $160,000, indicating the foundation makes significant investments in selected causes
  • Geographic scope is both local and global - while based in Connecticut with some local giving, the foundation maintains strong international focus, particularly in Italy
  • Healthcare and religious causes dominate - children's cancer care, veterans support, priestly vocations, and preservation of holy sites receive priority
  • Relationship building is key - without a public application process, organizations must establish connections through shared mission and potentially through Catholic Church networks
  • Financial stability is strong - with $13.7 million in assets and consistent revenue growth, the foundation demonstrates long-term sustainability and capacity for continued grantmaking

References

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