Come to Believe Foundation
Come To Believe Foundation is a public charity based in New York, New York, formed in 2018. It supports colleges and universities exploring or implementing its two-year college model, which is intended to offer an inclusive, results-oriented higher-education pathway to students often underrepresented at selective universities.
Come to Believe Foundation at a glance
In short: Come to Believe Foundation gave $403K across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $34K), top state New York. 60% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $403,000
- -67.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- +20.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $33,583
- -72.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $26,250
- Total assets
- $3,464,249
- +23.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 60% first-time grantees (6 of 10, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (25% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Come to Believe Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The stated May 15, 2025 deadline for the 2025 Design Grant application cycle has passed.
- Deadline
- The stated May 15, 2025 deadline for the 2025 Design Grant application cycle has passed.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 786, New York, NY 10150
Phone: (212) 940-3832
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Come to Believe Foundation
Who Come to Believe Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was College of Mount Saint Vincent ($100K). Together the top 10 received $403K.
Grant Size Distribution
26 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 20 grants of 26 (77%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in New York, New York. Its 2025 grants went to recipients in multiple states and Washington, D.C.; the largest shares of grant dollars went to New York (25%), Indiana (17%), Illinois (15%), Minnesota (15%), and Washington, D.C. (9%). Design Grant materials describe eligibility for U.S. institutions, while Dowd Innovation Grants are limited to colleges implementing the CTB model.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Come to Believe Foundation open to new grantees?
60%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 10 grantees (60%) were first-time recipients. With only 10 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 10 points. First grants averaged $38K; repeat grants $44K. How we count
Medians: $35K first-time, $33K repeat.
- 40% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2023–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2K (2022) to $1.2M (2024). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $403K.
Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| College of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, NY | Santander Scholars | $100,000 |
| Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL | Innovation | $50,000 |
| University of St Thomas St. Paul, MN | Innovation | $50,000 |
| Butler University Indianapolis, IN | Innovation | $50,000 |
| The Catholic University Washington, DC | Feasibility Study | $35,000 |
| Hollins University Roanoke, VA | Feasibility Study | $35,000 |
| St Mary's College Notre Dame, IN | Feasibility Study | $17,500 |
| University of Detroit Mercy Detroit, MI | Feasibility Study | $17,500 |
| University of San Diego San Diego, CA | Feasibility Study | $15,000 |
| Homeboy Industries Los Angeles, CA | General Ops/Events | $12,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,464,249 | $2,227,086 | $1,761,460 | $403,000 | 12 | $132,812 |
| 2024 | $2,795,514 | $2,927,616 | $2,171,407 | $1,229,000 | 10 | $60,272 |
| 2023 | $2,063,723 | $1,065,240 | $983,442 | $120,000 | 4 | $15,893 |
| 2022 | $1,992,357 | $1,369,889 | $772,392 | $2,000 | Total only | — |
| 2020 | $1,239,322 | $1,159,038 | $119,328 | — | — | — |
"Total only": grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to provide higher education institutions with an innovative, results-oriented college model that is inclusive and accessible to students often underrepresented at selective universities. Its program description includes consultation and financial support for colleges and universities considering the CTB model, formation and training for college deans and boards, and research, publications, and public discussion related to the model.
The Design Grant supports colleges and universities exploring the CTB model and evaluating its feasibility in their institutional context. The Dowd Innovation Grants support initiatives at colleges implementing the model, with an emphasis on improving measurable student outcomes.
The 2025 grantees illustrate the range of institutions supported. Loyola University of Chicago describes itself as a Jesuit, Catholic university seeking to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith. Butler University says it fosters a collaborative learning environment and prepares learners to lead meaningful lives. The University of St. Thomas describes its mission as educating morally responsible leaders who advance the common good. Other feasibility-study recipients included Catholic University of America, which describes itself as a comprehensive Catholic and American institution; Hollins University, which emphasizes academic excellence and humane values; and the University of San Diego, which says it advances academic excellence to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and hopeful world.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 12 grants totaling $403,000. Grants ranged from $10,000 to $100,000, with a median of $26,250. The largest reported grant was $100,000 to the College of Mount Saint Vincent for Santander Scholars. Loyola University Chicago, the University of St. Thomas, and Butler University each received $50,000 for innovation. The Catholic University and Hollins University each received $35,000 for feasibility studies. Other reported feasibility-study grants included $17,500 each to Saint Mary’s College and the University of Detroit Mercy, and $15,000 to the University of San Diego.
The foundation’s website describes the Design Grant as an annual opportunity for colleges and universities to explore the CTB model in a cohort, evaluate its feasibility over nine months, and receive customized support. Its grant materials describe awards of up to $40,000 per institution; the website also describes participating institutions as receiving $40,000 for the process. Applicants are asked to form a team that includes a project manager and five design-team members and to obtain approval from key decision-makers, including the president. Selection criteria include financial capacity, enrollment trends, academic offerings and graduation rates for key subgroups, location, commitment to social justice, and team composition. The 2025 application cycle had a May 15, 2025 deadline and is past.
The Dowd Innovation Grants are restricted to colleges implementing the CTB model. The foundation announced four $50,000 grants for the 2025–2026 academic year to support initiatives intended to improve measurable student outcomes and generate knowledge that can be shared across CTB model colleges. Its 2024 filing describes reporting expectations that vary by grant type, including activity summaries, student-outcome data, and expenditure documentation for innovation and Santander grants.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Rev. Stephen Katsouros, SJ, as CEO and Mark Armstrong as chair. Samuel Adams is also listed. Trustees are Rev. Robert Reiser, SJ; Rev. Timothy Lannon, SJ; Alicia Donahue; Kwaku Frimpong; Kimberly Keiserman; Jane Martinez Dowling; and Rev. Stephen Mitten, SJ.
Come to Believe Foundation is led by Stephen Mitten Sj, CEO & Trustee since 2025 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 18 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Stephen Mitten Sj
CEO & Trustee
President & CEO → President, CEO & Trustee, 2023
President, CEO & Trustee → CEO & Trustee, 2025
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$10K (2024) → $0 (2025)
Mark Armstrong
Chair
Treasurer → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert Reiser Sj
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Timothy Lannon Sj
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Alicia Donahue
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Wright
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Mullman
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Smith
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Khundmeer Syed
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kimberly Keiserman
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kwaku Frimpong
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mara Smith
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Martinez Dowling
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amy Stevens
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marianne Schimelfenig
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Smithson
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Short
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samuel Adams
Chief Operat
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$115K (2023) → $194K (2025)
Former officers (8)
- Former: Amy Jo Dowd (2022–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Carmen Romero (2022–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Susan Conniff (2020–2023) — Director of Finan · Filing note: Until 62023
- Former: William Reidy (2023) — Vice President Advanceme · Filing note: Until 22023
- Former: Julie Sullivan (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Alicia Donohue (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Jane Martinez-Dowling (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Steve Mitten (2022) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $194K, to Samuel Adams (Chief Operat).
Frequently asked questions about Come to Believe Foundation
How much does Come to Believe Foundation give each year?
Come to Believe Foundation gave $403K across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.2M across 10 grants.
What is Come to Believe Foundation's typical grant size?
Come to Believe Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $26,250, and its average grant was $33,583, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Come to Believe Foundation that year got $38K on average.
Where does Come to Believe Foundation give grants?
Come to Believe Foundation's top state is New York, with 25% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Indiana (17%) and Illinois (15%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (2 grants) and St. Paul, MN (2 grants).
Does Come to Believe Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 25% of Come to Believe Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (3 of 12) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Feasibility Study" (5 grants) and "Innovation" (3 grants).
Who are Come to Believe Foundation's largest grantees?
Come to Believe Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include College of Mount Saint Vincent ($100,000), Loyola University Chicago ($61,000 across 2 grants) and University of St Thomas ($60,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 55% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Come to Believe Foundation?
Come to Believe Foundation reported $3.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.2M.
What does Come to Believe Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to provide higher education institutions with an innovative, results-oriented college model that is inclusive and accessible to students often underrepresented at selective universities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Come to Believe Foundation?
Come to Believe Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Come to Believe Foundation's EIN?
Come to Believe Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-1551889. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS March 1, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 20, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 11, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Come to Believe Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/come-to-believe-foundation-morg_eff5aa5fe8bf4c38b6cd7f912528b0ae
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_831551889_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Come to Believe Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/come-to-believe-foundation-morg_eff5aa5fe8bf4c38b6cd7f912528b0ae},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Come to Believe Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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