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North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$11.5M
Grant Range
$5K - $10.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11,502,291 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis for Mobile Beacon programs
  • Grant Range: $5,022 - $10,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico), plus international development
  • Application Method: Rolling for device/connectivity grants; no public process for traditional charitable grants

Contact Details

Address: 2419 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919

Phone: (401) 934-1100
Toll-Free: (888) 735-3448
Fax: (401) 934-2240
Website: www.nacepf.net
Email Contact: Contact form available at nacepf.net/contact.html

Overview

Founded in 1989 by John Primeau, the North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation (NACEPF) is a Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the second-largest Educational Broadband Service (EBS) licensee in the United States. With total assets of $133,172,807 and total revenue of $20,814,113 (2024), NACEPF has evolved from providing traditional distance-learning television programming to becoming a major provider of broadband access and digital inclusion resources. The organization operates Mobile Beacon as a wholly-owned subsidiary, which provides affordable high-speed internet to educational institutions and nonprofits nationwide. NACEPF's philanthropic efforts span both domestic and international initiatives, including partnerships to build schools in developing countries, food distribution programs in Rhode Island, and technology grants that support over 425,000 Americans daily. The foundation distributed 29 grants totaling $11,502,291 in 2024 and 18 grants totaling $8,813,279 in 2023, focusing on education, human services, and faith-based programming. NACEPF earned a 2/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator with a 70% overall score.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Mobile Beacon Connect for Success Grants

  • Up to 25 laptops and 4G devices per school
  • Free mobile internet service for 12 months
  • After first year, discounted rate of $10/month paid annually
  • Application method: Rolling basis, year-round
  • Eligibility: Schools, colleges, and universities in Mobile Beacon's 50 city service areas

Wi-Fly Digital Inclusion Grants

  • For nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, and libraries
  • Focus on creating digital inclusion within communities
  • Equipment and connectivity provided

Traditional Charitable Grants

  • Grant range: $5,022 - $10,000,000
  • 29 awards made in 2024 totaling $11,502,291
  • 18 awards made in 2023 totaling $8,813,279
  • Geographic distribution across multiple states including California, Rhode Island, and North Carolina
  • Application method: No public application process; grants awarded through trustee discretion

International Development Grants

  • Partnership with buildOn since 2017
  • $400,000+ donated for school construction in developing countries
  • Countries served: Burkina Faso, Nepal, Nicaragua, Haiti, Senegal, and Malawi

Priority Areas

Education

  • Educational broadband access and digital literacy
  • Distance learning and educational programming
  • School construction in developing countries
  • Closing the "homework gap" for students lacking home internet
  • Support for early education, adult education, and job training services

Technology Access

  • Broadband service to 7,600+ educational and nonprofit organizations
  • 9,657 donated devices to schools, libraries, and nonprofits (recent fiscal year)
  • Licensed EBS spectrum in 51 markets covering 9 large metropolitan areas, 18 mid-size markets, and 24 rural areas
  • Resources supporting 425,000+ Americans daily

Faith-Based Programming

  • Catholic educational television and media programming
  • Religious programming covering Catholic doctrine, family life, and spirituality
  • Programs include "Spirit, Faith and Family," "Theology and Tradition in Roman Catholicism," and others

Community Services

  • Food security initiatives with 136,444 units (23,908 pounds) of produce distributed to Rhode Island soup kitchens
  • Support for community development organizations
  • Healthcare facility connectivity

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated on their website, based on their eligibility criteria for Mobile Beacon services, they do not provide grants to:

  • Commercial organizations
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Active military branches
  • Legislative organizations
  • Mayor's offices
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel (2024 compensation from Form 990):

  • John Primeau, President & Founder: $178,470

    • Founded NACEPF in 1989
    • Hosts "Spirit, Faith and Family" programming

  • Luz Cristina Graham, Director of Operations: $174,935

  • Katherine Primeau, Vice President: $160,857

The organization employs 28 staff members with total salaries and wages of $1,474,214 (2024).

NACEPF's mission statement emphasizes supporting "education at every level" through their broadband service, religious and educational programming, and advocacy efforts. Their vision is "a future where students of all ages and abilities have equitable access to education, technology, and the other resources needed to reach their potential."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Mobile Beacon Device/Connectivity Grants (Connect for Success, Wi-Fly):

  • Application Portal: Applications accepted through Mobile Beacon website (www.mobilebeacon.org)
  • Timing: Year-round, rolling basis
  • Requirements:
    • Must be within Mobile Beacon's coverage area (50 cities nationwide)
    • For Connect for Success: Must be a school, college, or university
    • For Wi-Fly: Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, school, healthcare organization, or library
    • Clear plan for targeting students/community members in need
    • Plan for measuring program impact
    • Agreement to provide two feedback and evaluation reports during the grant period
    • Review and acceptance of Mobile Beacon Customer Agreement

For Traditional Charitable Grants: NACEPF does not have a public application process for their traditional grant-making activities. Grants totaling over $11 million annually are distributed through trustee discretion to organizations aligned with their mission in education, human services, and faith-based programming.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on NACEPF's documented grantmaking patterns, organizations may come to their attention through:

  • International development: NACEPF has established a multi-year partnership with buildOn, demonstrating they pursue strategic partnerships with organizations that align with their education-focused mission. The partnership began in 2017 with a $400,000+ commitment.

  • Local Rhode Island connections: The foundation distributes food to "local area soup kitchens and food distribution charities serving the poor, needy, and homeless in Rhode Island," suggesting they support community organizations in their home state.

  • Catholic and faith-based organizations: Given their Catholic identity and extensive religious programming, Catholic institutions and faith-based organizations appear to be natural partners.

Decision Timeline

Mobile Beacon Grants:

  • Program team reviews applications after submission
  • Timeline not specified, but applicants are instructed to "allow our Program Team time to review your application"
  • Program team contacts grant administrators about next steps once reviewed

Traditional Grants: Not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Mobile Beacon Connect for Success and Wi-Fly grants are awarded on a rolling basis to eligible organizations within coverage areas. Success rates not publicly disclosed. Traditional grant success rates are not available due to the discretionary, non-public nature of the application process.

Reapplication Policy

For Mobile Beacon grants, the one-year grant period suggests organizations may reapply, though specific reapplication policies are not documented. After the first year of Connect for Success, schools can continue service at a discounted rate of $10/month paid annually.

Application Success Factors

For Mobile Beacon Device/Connectivity Grants:

NACEPF emphasizes these factors through Mobile Beacon:

  • Clear targeting strategy: "Schools must have a clear plan for targeting students in need" - applications should identify specific populations experiencing digital inequity

  • Measurable impact: Requirements include "measuring the impact of the program" with "two feedback and evaluation reports during this one-year grant period"

  • Creative deployment: The program description notes schools "can use the grant to build a mobile learning lab, aid in professional development for teachers, create a hotspot lending program to close the homework gap" - demonstrating innovative uses strengthens applications

  • Addressing the homework gap: NACEPF specifically targets "5 million households with students" lacking internet access; applications should connect to this core concern

  • Geographic fit: Organizations must be within Mobile Beacon's coverage area of 50 cities nationwide

For Traditional Charitable Grants:

Based on NACEPF's documented priorities and partnerships:

  • Educational mission alignment: NACEPF's broadband service, programming, and advocacy efforts all "aim to support education at every level" - proposals should demonstrate clear educational impact

  • Focus on accessibility and equity: Their vision emphasizes "students of all ages and abilities have equitable access to education, technology, and the other resources needed to reach their potential"

  • Strategic partnership potential: The buildOn partnership (construction of 20+ schools over multiple years) suggests NACEPF values long-term, scalable partnerships over one-time grants

  • Faith-based connections: Catholic organizations and faith-based initiatives appear aligned with NACEPF's identity and programming

  • Community-level impact: From food distribution in Rhode Island to international school construction, NACEPF supports grassroots, community-facing programs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Two grant pathways exist: Mobile Beacon provides publicly available device/connectivity grants through a rolling application, while traditional charitable grants ($5K-$10M) are awarded through trustee discretion without a public process

  • Digital inclusion is core mission: NACEPF evolved from television programming to broadband access; proposals addressing digital equity, homework gap, or technology barriers align with their strategic direction

  • Think long-term partnership: The multi-year buildOn commitment ($400K+, 20+ schools) demonstrates NACEPF's interest in sustained impact relationships rather than one-off funding

  • Faith-based organizations are natural partners: With extensive Catholic programming and religious identity, Catholic institutions and faith-aligned organizations fit their mission profile

  • Geographic considerations matter: While grantmaking spans multiple states and international locations, Rhode Island-based organizations may have proximity advantage; Mobile Beacon grants require coverage area eligibility

  • Measurement and reporting are expected: Mobile Beacon grant recipients must provide two evaluation reports during the grant period - demonstrating capacity for outcomes tracking strengthens applications

  • Scale varies dramatically: With grants ranging from approximately $5,000 to $10 million, NACEPF funds both large strategic initiatives and smaller community programs - tailor ask to realistic project scope

References

Primary Sources:

  • NACEPF Official Website: www.nacepf.net (accessed January 2026)

    • Mission & Vision: nacepf.net/mission--vision.html
    • Our History: nacepf.net/our-history.html
    • About NACEPF: nacepf.net/about-nacepf.html
    • Faith Programming: nacepf.net/programs.html
    • buildOn Partnership: nacepf.net/buildon.html
    • Contact: nacepf.net/contact.html

  • Mobile Beacon (NACEPF subsidiary): www.mobilebeacon.org (accessed January 2026)

    • Connect for Success: mobilebeacon.org/connect-for-success/
    • Eligibility: mobilebeacon.org/eligibility/

Financial & Governance:

  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Form 990 filings for EIN 22-3032456 (2024, 2023 tax years)
  • Instrumentl 990 Report: North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation Inc (accessed January 2026)
  • Charity Navigator: Rating for North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation Inc, EIN 22-3032456 (2/4 Stars, 70% score)

News & Press Releases:

  • "NACEPF Partners with International non-profit buildOn to Construct 10 Primary Schools Throughout Developing Countries" (Globe Newswire, November 2018)
  • "Mobile Beacon is Now Accepting Applications for Connect for Success Grants" (NACEPF Newsroom)
  • "NACEPF and Mobile Beacon Support Calls for Reconsideration of Certain E-Rate Program Limitations" (Globe Newswire, October 2024)

Third-Party Sources:

  • Cause IQ Profile: North American Catholic Educational Programming Foundation (NACEPF), Johnston, RI
  • GuideStar Profile: EIN 22-3032456

Data Points Cited:

  • 2024 giving: $11,502,291 across 29 grants (Instrumentl 990 Report)
  • 2023 giving: $8,813,279 across 18 grants (Instrumentl 990 Report)
  • Total assets: $133,172,807 (ProPublica 990, 2024)
  • Total revenue: $20,814,113 (ProPublica 990, 2024)
  • buildOn partnership: $400,000+ donated (NACEPF website, Globe Newswire)
  • Students served through buildOn: 1,326 students (713 girls, 615 boys) in 2017-2018 (NACEPF website)
  • Organizations served: 7,600+ educational and nonprofit organizations (multiple sources)
  • Donated devices: 9,657 in recent fiscal year (web search results)
  • Food distribution: 136,444 units/23,908 pounds to Rhode Island soup kitchens (Cause IQ, web search results)
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