Catholic Community Foundation Of Santa Clara County

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $175,100 (based on available endowment funds)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: $3,200 - $60,700 per grant area
• Geographic Focus: Diocese of San José (Santa Clara County, CA)

Contact Details

• Website: catholiccf.org (formerly cfoscc.org)
• Phone: 408-995-5219 x21
• Email: Martin@cfoscc.org
• Contact Person: Brianna Martin
• Address: 777 N 1st St Ste 490, San Jose, CA 95112

Overview

Established in 1946, the Catholic Community Foundation of Santa Clara County facilitates impactful grantmaking by connecting generous donors with effective ministries, programs, and organizations within the Diocese of San José. The foundation manages endowment funds that support various aspects of Catholic parish life, from liturgical music to community outreach programs. With a focus on strengthening Catholic institutions in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara Metro Area, the foundation serves as a vital funding source for parishes and Catholic organizations seeking to enhance their ministries and community impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers grants through four primary endowment funds:

• Pastoral Ministry Training & Formation Endowment: $60,700 available - Supports adult faith formation programs and ministry training initiatives
• Parish Outreach Endowment: $60,700 available - Funds parish community service efforts and outreach programs
• Parish Stewardship Endowment: $50,600 available - Supports fiscal development initiatives and staff training
• Apolonia Andre Fund for Liturgical Music: $3,200 available - Supports parish music programs

Priority Areas

• Family Ministry
• Formation and Faith Education
• Liturgical Music
• Worship Enhancement
• Youth & Young Adults Ministry
• Community Outreach and Service
• Parish Capacity Building

What They Don't Fund

The foundation exclusively funds Catholic parishes, Chancery departments, and Catholic organizations within the Diocese of San José. Secular organizations and programs outside the Catholic faith are not eligible for funding.

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership

• Board Chair: Patrick Waite
• Total Board Members: 15

The foundation maintains strong governance practices including formal board orientation, annual CEO assessment, and annual conflict-of-interest policy review. The board oversees the foundation's mission to facilitate strategic grantmaking that aligns with the Diocese of San José's Pastoral Plan.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Applications are submitted online through the foundation's website
• Grant cycle typically opens February 3 and closes March 31
• The foundation offers workshops to explain the application process to prospective applicants
• Parishes and Catholic organizations must align their requests with one of the four endowment fund categories

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available, though grants appear to be awarded annually following the spring application period.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and past grant examples:

• Demonstrate clear alignment with the Diocese of San José's Pastoral Plan
• Show how the project will strengthen Catholic ministry and community life
• Past successful grants have included ministry training programs, homeless outreach initiatives, and parish council training
• Projects should fit clearly within one of the four endowment fund categories
• Attendance at application workshops is recommended to understand requirements

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation exclusively funds Catholic institutions within the Diocese of San José
• Grant requests must align with one of four specific endowment categories
• Annual application window is limited (February-March)
• Total available funding across all programs is approximately $175,100
• The foundation emphasizes connecting donor intent with effective Catholic ministries
• Workshop attendance can provide valuable insights into application requirements
• Contact Brianna Martin directly for application guidance and questions

References

• GuideStar Profile for Catholic Community Foundation of Santa Clara County (EIN: 83-0400149), accessed January 2026
• Diocese of San José article on Catholic Community Foundation grant cycle, accessed January 2026
• Catholic Community Foundation website (catholiccf.org), accessed January 2026