The Connecticut Catholic Foundation (CCF) today awarded more than $360,000 to 22 organizations across the Archdiocese of Hartford to fund a variety of projects, initiatives, and programs including support for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, funding for high school robotics and STEM, and increased health care accessibility for uninsured women in Greater Hartford (see below for full recipient list).

Since its beginning in 2016, the foundation’s grant program has invested approximately $23 million targeted to:

• Strengthening the ability of Catholic social service providers to effectively respond to the neediest communities;
• Providing resources to sustain vibrant parishes to nurture the next generation of Catholics;
• Reigniting the faith by providing exceptional educational opportunities to all students, volunteers and parish leaders; and
• Supporting community partnerships and innovative programs that create long-lasting change, strengthen schools and parishes and meet the evolving needs of Catholics and non-Catholics in the greater community. 

“Our commitment to meeting capital needs in Catholic education, social services, and other vital ministries goes beyond simply funding programs—it is planting seeds of faith, hope, and compassion across the Archdiocese of Hartford,” said Karen Gross, CCF Executive Director and Executive Director of Development for the Archdiocese of Hartford, “We’re humbled to provide this latest round of awards, which encompasses everything from innovation and emerging opportunities for students to critically needed healthcare for underserved women in Greater Hartford.”  

“We are so pleased that our ‘Iron Lions’ were awarded this generous grant from the Connecticut Catholic Foundation,” said Northwest Catholic High School Director of Advancement Patrick Williamson. “The team is very deserving and worked hard on the grant application. I look forward to seeing the team grow even further with this funding. The robotics team is a great representation of innovation here at Northwest Catholic.”



“This grant will allow us to continue providing important opportunities for the individuals in our Limitless day programs,” explained Marek Kukulka, CEO of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford. “We are very proud of this program and the growth of the adults we care for each day. This funding enables them to reach the highest level of independence possible in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Faith Formation (Bloomfield): $5,450 for training in Spanish using enculturated materials to improve the quality of preparation for the sacrament of matrimony.

Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Vocations & Seminarians (Bloomfield): $50,000 fund a six-week summer experience in Rome for two seminarians that immerses them in theological studies and the Catholic tradition. Grant covers tuition, room and board, stipends, counseling services, and health insurance.

Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Hamden): $6,200 for “Couples for Christ: Holy Marriages, Our Hope for a Church on Fire” to fund four retreat opportunities focusing on the Church’s teachings on marriage and emphasizing the Scriptural images of God’s spousal relationship with His people and Christ as the visible embodiment of God’s faithful love.

Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Parish (Waterbury): $6,000 for “The Stephen Ministry,” a program of Christian assistance to individuals experiencing life difficulties by supporting those in the community who require one-on-one trained Christ-centered compassionate care. 

Blessed Michael McGivney Parish (New Haven): $5,299 for purchasing a parish subscription to FORMED.org for classes and training for the catechists of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. The program aims to reignite the faith of New Haven Catholics while uniting them under the one Blessed Michael McGivney Parish.

Blessed Michael McGivney Parish (New Haven): $10,200 for the “St. Martin de Porres Breakfast Ministry & Thanksgiving Basket Distribution” program to address the food insecurity of the homeless population and residents in the Dixwell Avenue section of New Haven and offer them the warmth of human connection and the love of Christ.

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Hartford (Hartford): $50,000 to support its “Limitless Day Program for Developmental Disabilities” program in Manchester and Newington for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and for several group residences with 24/7 care.

Crossroads 4 Christ (Middletown): $50,000 for to begin scaling Crossroads 4 Christ initiatives within the Archdiocese of Hartford. Crossroads 4 Christ seeks to develop communities of young adult missionary disciples dedicated to reinvigorating the life of the Church.

East Shoreline Catholic Academy (Branford): $5,000 for “Seeds of Stewardship: Living Laudato Si,” a dynamic program that engages students in food waste diversion, environmental stewardship, and community service.

Malta House of Care (Hartford): $5,000 for “Advancing Women's Health for Stronger Communities” to improve health outcomes by increasing accessibility to high-quality, compassionate care uninsured women need to manage chronic conditions, access preventive screenings, and receive critical mental health support.

New England Catholic Biblical School (Bloomfield): $20,000 to respond to growing interest/enrollment and better serve a more diverse student population.

Northwest Catholic High School (West Hartford): $14,850 for the Northwest Catholic Robotics Club for tool and material storage units to safely secure the club's inventory, purchase machine shop equipment that can be used in perpetuity for current and future build seasons, and the necessary high-powered computing required to run Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.

Retrouvaille of Connecticut, Inc. (Wethersfield): $25,000 for a peer-based ministry that works with couples in distressed relationships offering communication tools to provide an avenue of hope and healing.

Sacred Heart Academy (Hamden): $15,000 for its “Return to Prayer Initiative” program to provide structured opportunities for students and faculty to cultivate a habit of prayer through retreats, education, and spiritual formation.

St. Bridget School (Cheshire): $6,003.41 for “Building Bridges through Books” to cultivate a vibrant reading culture by establishing well-stocked classroom libraries.

St. Francis of Assisi Church (Naugatuck): $2,500 to support “Behold: A Eucharistic Mission,” a three-night encounter with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament to support and continue the National Eucharistic Revival at a parish level.

St. Francis of Assisi Church (New Britain): $2,837.50 for chapel construction to make the Holy Eucharist more accessible for aged and home/nursing homebound populations, and more easily accessible to our priests and Eucharistic ministers during the week.

St. Justin-St. Michael Parish (Hartford): $25,000 for restoration of the parish bell tower.

St. Martin de Porres Academy (New Haven): $25,000 for its “Graduate Support Program” to ensure that graduates of Saint Martin de Porres Academy successfully complete high school, have the opportunity to enroll in and graduate from college or a trade school, and secure stable, fulfilling careers—breaking the cycle of poverty through education and opportunity. 

St. Mary and St. Michael School (Derby): $16,500 for updating student Chromebooks

St. Matthew School (Bristol): $5,770.59 to provide educational materials for the youth in the parish to educate themselves about, learn, and become more comfortable with the aspects of Mass to become full participants, passing their love for God for generations to come.

St. Thomas and St. Timothy School (West Hartford): $16,500 for 70 new Chromebooks for students

The deadline to apply for the next round of CCF grants is Oct. 1, 2025. More information can be found at: https://www.ctcatholicfoundation.org/grants 

About the Connecticut Catholic Foundation
The Connecticut Catholic Foundation (CCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Catholic community foundation and trusted charitable giving expert that partners with generous individuals, families, and organizations to raise the quality of life in the Archdiocese of Hartford and beyond through philanthropy. Learn more at: https://www.ctcatholicfoundation.org