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Riley Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.0M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.5M

Riley Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,957,024 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $109,353,699 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 13 (2023)
  • Average Grant Size: ~$304,000
  • Geographic Focus: Philadelphia Archdiocese region, Pennsylvania
  • Application Method: Primarily by invitation

Contact Details

Address: Valley Forge, PA
EIN: 82-3802429
Founded: 2020

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or publish direct contact information. Written applications can be submitted to the foundation's Valley Forge address.

Overview

The Riley Family Foundation was established in 2020 by Barb and Brian Riley, parishioners of St. Patrick Parish in Malvern, Pennsylvania. With total assets exceeding $109 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $4 million, the foundation represents a significant philanthropic force in the Philadelphia region. The foundation's mission centers exclusively on Catholic and Catholic-affiliated organizations, with a particular emphasis on practicing the corporal works of mercy—feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and caring for the vulnerable. As Barb Riley stated: "We don't want to build buildings. We really want to do God's work" and help the less fortunate. The foundation operates as a family endeavor, with all seven family members—Brian, Barb, and their five children—actively participating as decision-makers, including involvement in site visits and funding allocation decisions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Riley Family Foundation provides general operating, project, and capital support through both annual and multi-year grants. The foundation primarily supports Catholic Social Services (CSS) programs throughout the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

Grant Types:

  • General operating support
  • Project-specific funding
  • Capital support (equipment, facility improvements)
  • Multi-year commitments available

Based on 2023 data showing $3,957,024 distributed across 13 grants, the average grant size is approximately $304,000, though individual grant amounts vary based on organizational need and project scope.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses exclusively on Catholic and Catholic-affiliated organizations serving:

  • Homeless Services: Support for shelter programs and direct services to homeless individuals
  • Substance Abuse Recovery: Programs serving mothers in recovery with young children
  • Services for People with Disabilities: Programs for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities
  • Pregnancy Support: Shelter and services for pregnant women in need
  • Food Insecurity: Covering food costs and hunger relief programs

Recent Grant Examples:

  • Mercy Hospice: Annual food costs for women in recovery with young children
  • St. John's Hospice: Replacement beds and lockers for homeless men
  • Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence: Wheelchair ramps, scholarships, pet therapy, and music therapy programs
  • Guiding Star Ministries and Cenacle: Shelter services for pregnant women

What They Don't Fund

  • Non-Catholic or non-Catholic-affiliated organizations (Brian and Barb Riley have stated that "everything the foundation does is 100% Catholic or Catholic-affiliated")
  • Building construction projects (preference for direct service support)
  • Organizations outside the Philadelphia Archdiocese region
  • Organizations not recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

Brian Riley - Vice President, Treasurer, Director
Graduate of the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania; Managing Partner of JB Investments Management, LLC (a hedge fund specializing in distressed situations)

Barbara (Barb) Riley - President, Secretary, Director
Active in parish life at St. Patrick in Malvern; leads family philanthropic vision

Riley Children - Five adult children actively participate in all funding decisions

Neither Brian nor Barbara Riley receives compensation from the foundation.

Leadership Philosophy

Barb Riley on family involvement: "I grew up with that mentality of giving back and it has been so important to Brian and I to pass that onto our children."

Brian Riley on visibility: He noted that the archdiocese tends not to publicize its charitable work, and believes that "if people knew, they'd want to be involved."

The family's intention is for one of their children to eventually lead the foundation, ensuring multi-generational continuity.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Riley Family Foundation operates primarily on an invitation basis and does not maintain a public application process.

According to foundation materials, "Proposals are considered primarily by invitation" as "the Foundation solicits information from organizations whose missions and goals resonate with their areas of interest."

However, the foundation does accept written applications:

  • Applications should be submitted in writing to the foundation's Valley Forge address
  • Awards will only be made to religious and educational organizations recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)
  • Organizations must be Catholic or Catholic-affiliated

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The foundation appears to operate on a rolling basis rather than fixed grant cycles, making decisions as the Riley family reviews opportunities throughout the year.

Success Rates

With 13 grants made in 2023 from total charitable disbursements of $3,957,024, the foundation maintains a selective grantmaking approach. The foundation's close partnership with Catholic Social Services suggests that organizations affiliated with or referred by CSS may have higher success rates.

Reapplication Policy

No formal reapplication policy is publicly available. However, the foundation's approach to multi-year grants and ongoing partnerships suggests they value sustained relationships with effective organizations.

Application Success Factors

While the Riley Family Foundation does not publish formal application guidelines, research reveals several key factors that influence funding decisions:

1. Catholic Mission Alignment: The foundation exclusively funds Catholic or Catholic-affiliated organizations. As the founders have stated, they want to "give to charities and organizations whose missions are consistent with Christ's teachings and their Catholic Faith." Organizations must demonstrate clear Catholic identity and mission.

2. Direct Service to Vulnerable Populations: The foundation prioritizes organizations practicing corporal works of mercy—feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick and disabled. Organizations should emphasize direct, tangible services to those in need rather than administrative or capacity-building projects.

3. Partnership with Catholic Social Services: The foundation has forged a strong partnership with CSS beginning in 2020. Organizations affiliated with or recommended by CSS appear to have preferential access to funding. Over three years, the foundation's support has enabled CSS programs to serve over 600,000 individuals annually.

4. Demonstrated Impact on Real People: The Rileys conduct site visits and involve their entire family in funding decisions. Organizations should be prepared to demonstrate tangible outcomes and facilitate direct engagement with the people being served. The family values seeing firsthand how their support makes a difference.

5. Transparency and Good Stewardship: Organizations should provide clear, specific funding requests (such as the precise cost of replacing beds, covering annual food costs, or purchasing wheelchair ramps) rather than vague general operating requests.

6. Philadelphia Archdiocese Connection: While not explicitly stated as a requirement, all documented grants appear to support organizations within the Philadelphia Archdiocese region. Geographic proximity to the Rileys' home parish (St. Patrick in Malvern) may be advantageous.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Catholic identity is non-negotiable: Do not apply unless your organization is Catholic or Catholic-affiliated. The Rileys have been explicit that they fund only organizations consistent with Catholic teachings.

  • Relationship pathway through CSS: The strongest pathway to funding appears to be through connection with Catholic Social Services or other established partners within the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Building relationships with CSS leadership may be more effective than direct approaches.

  • Think services, not buildings: While the foundation does support capital needs, Barb Riley's statement that "We don't want to build buildings" suggests preference for equipment, repairs, and program support over construction projects.

  • Prepare for family engagement: Unlike corporate foundations, the Rileys operate with personal involvement. Be prepared to host site visits and engage with multiple family members, including the Riley children who participate in funding decisions.

  • Demonstrate corporal works of mercy: Frame your work explicitly in terms of the corporal works of mercy (feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned, burying the dead). Use this Catholic theological framework.

  • Multi-year potential: The foundation offers multi-year grants, so strong performers may receive sustained support. Demonstrate capacity for long-term partnership and measurable outcomes over time.

  • Submit written applications: Even though the foundation operates primarily by invitation, they accept written applications to their Valley Forge address. A well-crafted introductory letter outlining your Catholic mission, direct services to vulnerable populations, and specific funding needs may receive consideration.

References

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