The Westerman Foundation is committed to investing in Catholic education and organizations that promote Catholic values. Through annual grant awards the Foundation partners with Catholic organizations in service of students, families, and the community. 

 

The Westerman Foundation only reviews grant proposals from organizations invited to submit a grant application. Following an invitation, applicants will receive instructions on how to access and submit proposals through our online application portal.

 

​​2025 Funding Plan

The Westerman Foundation 2025 Funding Plan remains focused on advancing core pillars of our mission.

    (1) Catholic Education - Supporting faith-based learning and the spiritual formation of youth

    (2) Family Resilience - Strengthening families and communities through responsive support services

    (3) Women’s Empowerment - Uplifting women through education, resources, and leadership development 

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​Funding Requirements 

Qualified organizations must clearly align with the mission and funding priorities of the Westerman Foundation. Eligible organizations must:  

• Be an IRS-registered, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization

• Operate and deliver services within the United States  

• Be committed to advancing Catholic values of faith, education, and service  

 

Funding is primarily directed toward programs that advance Catholic education and support Catholic nonprofit organizations.

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​​2025 Grant Cycle Dates

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The grant award cycle begins on August 25, 2025, and the final grant application submission deadline is September 30, 2025.

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Westerman Foundation Grant Award Approval 

The Westerman Foundation Board of Directors approves annual grant awards. The maximum annual grant award to an organization is $50,000. 

Grant Proposal Funding Restrictions
To ensure your application meets the Foundation's guidelines, please review the grant funding restrictions prior to grant application submission.

​The Westerman Foundation does not fund grant proposals for the following purposes:

 

• Multi-year funding requests

• Handwritten applications

• Requests for salaries

• Annual fundraising campaigns

• Professional conferences and/or symposia

• Competition expenses

• Politically-oriented entities

• Motor vehicles

• Individual scholarships

• Capital campaigns

• Construction of new buildings

• Proposals not consistent with our mission
   

The Westerman Foundation does not fund:

• Organizations that do not have tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) status with the IRS

• Private Foundations

• Individuals

Grant Award Recipient Guidelines

The Westerman Foundation awards grants annually to Catholic organizations and programs that are in alignment with the mission of the Foundation. To assist the Foundation in evaluating the impact of these grant awards, the Foundation has implemented the following grant award recipient guidelines:
 

• Submission of requested agency/program financial records that document the grant award expenditures.

• Provide acknowledgment of the Westerman Foundation Grant award in organization and program communications.

• Provide a written report to the Westerman Foundation that outlines grant program accomplishments, client outcomes, and significant milestones.

• Submit an email request to the Foundation for approval of major revisions to the Board approved grant program or program budget.

• Share program and client success stories as requested.

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