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December 9, 2025There is still time to apply for a grant through the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Tucson. Parishes, schools, and other entities in the Diocese, as listed in the Official Catholic Directory (OCD), are encouraged to apply.
Each year, the Catholic Foundation awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to be used for programs, projects, services, or activities within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese. Elizabeth Bollinger, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation, said she is grateful to the community for allowing the grants to flourish. “Every year, we are able to fund more grants due to the generosity of our Catholic community who support our Annual Catholic Appeal, our Cornerstone Gala, and our endowment program."
In 2025, for the second time in 44 years, the Catholic Foundation eclipsed more than $1 million in grants, with a total disbursement of $1,091,494. Bollinger said she’s especially proud that the St. Joseph Healthcare Endowment Grants continue to be available. “These funds are intended to continue the great work of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet when they established the first Catholic hospital in the state of Arizona.” The fund is an endowment, the interest of which can be used to provide support for organizations performing Catholic healthcare in our community, including scholarships for students pursuing a career in nursing and healthcare.
One of the 2025 recipients of the St Joseph Healthcare Endowment, Vanessa Breda, will graduate this month from the Arizona College of Nursing. Breda states, “I would like to work as a labor and delivery nurse in Tucson and potentially continue my education to become a nurse midwife. I have a passion for caring for those in need, and found my inspiration from Saint Mother Teresa, who persevered in providing comfort to the poor and the sick. When I am in a clinical rotation and see patients who are suffering, in pain and isolation, I am reminded of Saint Mother Teresa's mission. Inspired by her, I find myself closer to God when caring for the sick.”
Stories like Vanessa’s, Bollinger says, are the motivation for identifying scholarship recipients. “Vanessa has been volunteering as a medical interpreter at a clinic in Mexico; supporting Vanessa further develops healthcare in our communities. We are so proud to see her use the grant to grow in charity.”
You can learn more about the Catholic Foundation and the grant application process by visiting https://catholicfoundation.smapply.org/