Catholic Education Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5+ million in grants; $8.6 million in tuition assistance (2025/2026)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-4 months for tuition assistance
• Grant Range: Varies by program; tuition assistance awards vary by family need
• Geographic Focus: Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky

Contact Details

Website: www.ceflou.org
Phone: (502) 585-2747
Address: 401 W. Main Street, Suite 806, Louisville, KY 40202
Technology Grant Applications: ceflou.org/technology-innovation-form/
Tuition Assistance: Apply through FACTS at www.ceflou.org

Overview

Founded in 1995 with tax-exempt status dating back to 1946, the Catholic Education Foundation Inc is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with assets of $49.6 million and an endowment of $20 million. The Foundation supports the growth and vitality of Catholic parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville, distributing over $5 million annually in grants and $8.6 million in tuition assistance for the 2025/2026 school year. Their mission centers on making Catholic education available to any family with demonstrated financial need, embodied in their motto "The Answer is YES!" The Foundation has earned a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator with a 92% score, demonstrating strong financial accountability and transparency.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Tuition Assistance for Families: $8.6 million for 2025/2026 (FACTS online application, annual deadline November 30)
• Technology Enhancements: Grants for parishes and schools (rolling basis via Technology Innovation Form)
• Professional Development: Support for educator and catechist training (contact Foundation for details)
• Religious Education: Grants for parish and school religious programs (contact Foundation for details)

Priority Areas

• Catholic elementary education accessibility for families with financial need
• Technology advancement in Catholic schools and parishes
• Professional development for Catholic educators and catechists
• Religious education program enhancement
• Support for all 39 Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese
• Assistance to 107 parishes in the Archdiocese

What They Don't Fund

• Non-Catholic schools or organizations outside the Archdiocese of Louisville
• Individual high school tuition (handled separately through individual schools)
• Capital campaigns or building projects
• General operating expenses unrelated to their four funding pillars

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation operates under an independent Board of Directors with the Archbishop of Louisville serving as ex-officio Chair. Board members include executives from LPX Group, Wasteology/Pathfinder, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Co., and ISCO Industries. President Rich Lechleiter, who joined in April 2014, previously served as CFO of Kindred Healthcare for 12 years and brings extensive financial expertise. Vice President Julie has been with the Foundation since 2006, overseeing major fundraising events and grant administration. The professional staff includes directors of finance, grants and analytics, and development coordinators.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Tuition Assistance (Families): Apply online through FACTS at www.ceflou.org. One application covers all elementary and high school children in the family. Required documents include federal tax return, W-2s, and non-taxable income documentation. $35 processing fee required.

Technology Grants (Schools/Parishes): Submit the Technology Innovation Form at ceflou.org/technology-innovation-form/

Professional Development & Religious Education Grants: Contact the Foundation directly at (502) 585-2747 for application procedures.

Decision Timeline

Tuition Assistance:

• Application opens: October 15 annually
• Priority deadline: November 30
• Notification: By March 1
• Late applications accepted but may receive smaller awards

Other Grants: Timeline varies; contact Foundation for specific program deadlines

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly available, the Foundation has significantly expanded its reach, doubling the number of students supported with tuition assistance over the past five years to 3,700 students in 2025/2026.

Reapplication Policy

Tuition assistance requires annual reapplication through FACTS. Families must submit new applications each year with updated financial documentation. Other grant programs may have different reapplication requirements; contact the Foundation for specific guidance.

Application Success Factors

The Foundation's motto "The Answer is YES!" reflects their commitment to supporting families in need. Success factors include:

• Demonstrated financial need: The Foundation prioritizes families who genuinely cannot afford Catholic education without assistance
• Complete documentation: Submit all required tax documents and income verification by the priority deadline
• Early application: Apply by November 30 priority deadline for maximum consideration
• Connection to mission: Articulate how support aligns with Catholic education values and the Foundation's mission
• School collaboration: Work with your Catholic school's administration who can provide guidance on the application process
• Technology innovation: For technology grants, demonstrate how the investment will enhance educational outcomes and reach multiple students

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Foundation has dramatically increased funding capacity, growing from supporting 1,850 students five years ago to 3,700 in 2025/2026
• They operate with a collaborative funding model, combining Foundation resources with school and parish contributions
• The $20 million endowment provides stable, long-term funding capacity for sustained grant-making
• Apply early - the November 30 priority deadline for tuition assistance ensures maximum award consideration
• The Foundation maintains strong financial health with a 92% Charity Navigator rating, indicating excellent stewardship of donor funds
• Technology grants offer a separate funding stream with potentially less competition than tuition assistance
• Building relationships with Foundation staff may be beneficial, as they have long tenures and deep knowledge of programs

References

• Catholic Education Foundation Official Website (www.ceflou.org) - Accessed February 2026
• FACTS Application Portal (www.ceflou.org) - Tuition assistance application information
• Technology Innovation Form (ceflou.org/technology-innovation-form/) - Technology grant applications
• GuideStar Profile (guidestar.org/profile/61-1294640) - Financial and organizational data
• Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org/ein/611294640) - Rating and financial overview
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer Form 990 Filings 2022-2024 (projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/611294640)
• Instrumentl 990 Report (instrumentl.com/990-report/catholic-education-foundation-inc) - Grant statistics
• Cause IQ Organization Profile (causeiq.com/organizations/catholic-education-foundation,611294640/) - Financial data