How the Dan Murphy Foundation Supports Catholicism in Los Angeles
/
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown L.A. Gerry Boughan/shutterstock
According to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, over four million people identify as Catholics in Los Angeles, California. Spanning the counties of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura, the diocese is the largest in the U.S. and one of the most diverse. But despite these facts, there are few grantmaking foundations specifically focused on Southern California’s Catholic population. One notable funder that supports Catholic needs at the local level is the Dan Murphy Foundation, which almost exclusively awards grants to Catholic-affiliated groups.
Here’s an overview of the Dan Murphy Foundation’s grantmaking to guide Los Angeles organizations.
Only funds local 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits
Something to know about the Dan Murphy Foundation is that it has a specific type of grantee in mind: Catholic 501(c)(3)s. Unlike many Catholic-focused funders nationwide, this foundation does not award grants to parishes or elementary schools. It only considers grant requests from 501(c)(3) nonprofits with Catholic connections.
Furthermore, these organizations must be based within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. There are five pastoral regions in the Archdiocese that encompass Los Angeles, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Pedro and Santa Barbara.
Recent foundation grantmaking
The foundation is dedicated to “meeting the needs of Catholic high schools serving inner city youth and supporting faith formation and a vibrant religious life for the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.” Grantmaking revolves around Catholic high schools in the city, evangelization efforts, religious life, social welfare and cultural activities.
Recent grantees include the Don Bosco Technical Institute, which prepares high school students for university degrees and STEM careers, and the Salesian Family Youth Center, which serves the Boyle Heights and City Terrace communities with after-school activities and low-cost alternative programs. The foundation’s assets have exceeded $200 million lately, and total grants have been over $13 million annually.
The Dan Murphy Foundation awards grants for general operations, sponsorships, scholarships, specific projects, alumni funds, building renovations, ministry programs and other purposes. Other example grantees include South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project, Ronald McDonald Charities of Southern California, and Right to Life League of Southern California. Grant amounts are typically between $5,000 and $250,000.
Applications by invitation only
The Dan Murphy Foundation may be a somewhat challenging funder to connect with if you are not already affiliated with it. It currently accepts grant applications on an invitation-only basis. Organizations that believe they match the foundation’s mission and funding criteria should email Cathy Heutmaker, the grants administrator and office manager, to discuss their ideas and determine whether an appropriate opportunity exists. The foundation staff is also available by telephone for general questions.
Learn more about this foundation in IP’s full profile of the Dan Murphy Foundation, which is part of our Los Angeles and Southern California funding guide.
