The Religious Support Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Religious Support Fund is a private foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.3 million in 9 grants; the typical grant was $119,954 and the largest $350,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.3 million
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$119,954
- Largest grant$350,000
- Assets$11.7 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.2 million the year before.
29% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $822,362 | 6 | $11.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 8 | $11.4 million |
| 2025 | $1.3 million | 9 | $11.7 million |
How to apply
The Religious Support Fund says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Religious Support Fund funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Pennsylvania. It also paid $350,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 4 | $363,089 |
| New York | 1 | $350,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $119,954 |
| Ohio | 1 | $100,203 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $40,332 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Reimbursement of medical expenses of priests and bishops not covered by med. Insurance | $350,000 |
| Sisters of Life | To assist with payment of costs for medical supplies, treatments, insurance premiums and co-pays, and night care of elderly and infirmed sisters. | $350,000 |
| Individual | To help retired consecrated women with basic living and medical expenses. | $199,089 |
| Province of St Augustine of the Capuchin Order | To provide financial assistance for the healthcare and maintenance of the retired or infirmed friars. | $125,000 |
| Brothers of the Christian Schools | Support in connection with the need for care, safety, and comfort among the aging religious community. | $119,954 |
| St Paul Center for Biblical Theology | Support the formation of seminarians and graduate theology students | $100,203 |
| Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM Inc | To pay premiums for insurance for disabled members of the religious community. | $40,332 |
| Diocese of Pittsburgh Saint Paul Seminar | Promoting life-transforming scripture study | $20,000 |
| Congregation of the Sisters of Merciful Jesus | Support for health expenses | $19,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John F Donahue II
- FR Kim J Schreck
- Francis L Donahue
Questions people ask
Does The Religious Support Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Religious Support Fund give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $119,954.
Who runs The Religious Support Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists John F Donahue II (President/Treasurer), FR Kim J Schreck (Director/Secretary) and Francis L Donahue (Director).
What does The Religious Support Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, seniors and education.