After only three grant cycles, our Impact Grant Program has awarded a cumulative total of $105,931.50. The Foundation’s Trustees designated an unrestricted bequest from the late Lou Fleckenstein as the source for Impact Grants. The bequest is invested using the same strategy we apply to our permanent endowments, with a portion of the annual earnings distributed as grants. In the 2020-2021 grant cycle (fiscal year), $41,000.00 was awarded to the following organizations:

All Saints Catholic School, Cresson
To create a pilot “Trauma Informed Instruction” initiative in the current academic school year, with the possibility of rolling it out to other schools. Social emotional learning (SEL) helps improve students’ academic performance, curtail bullying, reduce dropout rates and build character.

Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Loretto
Start-up expenses for an online offertory service.

Bishop Carroll High School, Ebensburg
Class Retreats for all 165 students.

Bishop McCort Catholic High School, Johnstown
Liturgical music enhancements for grades 7-12 (334 students).

Divine Mercy Catholic Academy, Johnstown
Purchase cameras for classrooms at the East & West campuses to link with home-based students.

Holy Family Parish, Portage
Improved telephone system for all facilities.

Holy Spirit Parish, Lock Haven
Annual parish subscription to Formed for use with Religious Education, Faith Formation, RCIA and other ministries.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Altoona
Purchase a virtual Religious Education system for 80-90 public school students in grades 1-11.

St. Benedict Parish, Johnstown
To launch a Stephen Ministries Training Program.

St. Clement Parish, Johnstown
Video equipment to grow and enhance the electronic outreach and online presence of the parish.

St. John the Evangelist Parish, Altoona
Arise, plus music licensing/materials for social media mass streaming.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy, Boalsburg
All-school faith-based retreat for 130 students.

St. Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish, Altoona
To purchase materials and help offset retreat/activities expenses for Youth Ministry.

St. Michael School, Loretto
To update the computer lab equipment and purchase laptops for students to use during virtual learning.

Please remember your favorite parish, school or ministry in the Diocese with a charitable gift in your will. For more information, please visit our Legacy Giving section, or contact Foundation President/CEO Chris Ringkamp at (814) 201-2080.