Connelly Foundation
The Connelly Foundation is a private foundation based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1955 by John F. and Josephine Connelly, it supports charitable organizations working to improve quality of life in the Philadelphia region, with grantmaking in education, human services, arts and culture, and civic life.
Connelly Foundation at a glance
In short: Connelly Foundation gave $15.4M across 305 grants in 2024 (avg $50K), mostly in Pennsylvania. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $15,400,000
- +5.5% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 305
- -1.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $50,492
- +6.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $362,122,598
- +5.6% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (93% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Connelly Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts online applications, and its application materials can be previewed or printed before submission. Organizations making their first Human Services request must schedule a pre-proposal phone call if they meet the eligibility criteria; such discussions are not required for Catholic Education, Arts & Culture, or Civic Renewal requests. Returning grantees must submit the report for their most recent grant before reapplying or have met their final reporting requirement. The foundation says it may take up to 90 days to decide after receiving a completed application, with an average response time of 60 days. It does not accept unsolicited requests of $100,000 or more.
- Review Cycle
- The foundation states that there are no submission deadlines.
- Deadline
- The foundation states that there are no submission deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Timothy Durkin Co Connelly Foundati
Mailing address: 100 Front Street Suite 1450, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Phone: (610) 834-3222
Website: https://connellyfdn.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Connelly Foundation
Connelly Foundation Grant
Connelly Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Connelly Foundation Grants (Catholic Education, Human Services, Arts & Culture)
Connelly Foundation
Amount
Average award $41,000; unsolicited requests must be under $100,000
Deadline
Rolling
Who Connelly Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Archdiocese of Philadelphia ($2.6M). Together the top 10 received $7.7M.
Organizations only. It also paid 10 grants to individuals ($261,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,271 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,059 grants of 1,271 (83%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated geographic interest is the City of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, and the City of Camden, New Jersey. Its FAQ says that 97.5% of its 2025 funding was concentrated in this area and that grants outside the Philadelphia region are rare. In filing year 2024, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania, 2% to New Jersey, 2% to New York, 1% to Washington, DC, and 1% to Indiana.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 305 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Connelly Foundation gives
- 53% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 23% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 116% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $12.5M (2021) to $15.4M (2020). In 2024 it made 305 grants totaling $15.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Archdiocese of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | Visioning committee on catholic education, development symposium, jcc achievement awards, neumann scholarships | $2,634,408 |
| National Philanthropic Trust Jenkintown, PA | Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial | $1,554,415 |
| Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation West Conshohocken, PA | Cobbs Creek Education Center | $700,000 |
| Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Lower Gwynedd, PA | Cabrini Transportation, a Place to Soar Campaign | $500,600 |
| Archbishop John Carroll High School Radnor, PA | General support - staff discretionary grant, wellness center, community support | $456,000 |
| Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | Breaking Barriers Campaign, Ambassadors and Camp Connections Programs | $450,000 |
| Sharing Excess Inc Philadelphia, PA | Food Rescue Capacity Building | $400,000 |
| Office of Catholic Education - Archdiocese of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA | Connelly access program 2024-25, summer tech academy, general support - foundation discretionary grant, learning support specialist, organizational support | $393,625 |
| Independence Mission Schools Philadelphia, PA | Connelly access program 2024-25, leader impact award - 2024, enl specialist, fire alarm modernization, organizational support | $340,500 |
| Project Home Philadelphia, PA | Connelly house renovation, general support - foundation & trustee discretionary grants | $295,500 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $362,122,598 | $36,726,894 | $22,232,954 | $15,400,000 | 305 | $19,719,480 | $35,087,792 | $17,036,954 |
| 2023 | $342,952,074 | $25,695,726 | $23,097,650 | $14,600,000 | 308 | $18,598,758 | $24,612,316 | $15,883,525 |
| 2022 | $319,670,665 | $21,023,180 | $23,525,657 | $13,853,915 | 306 | $17,397,934 | $18,041,386 | $16,423,306 |
| 2021 | $387,913,026 | $27,891,431 | $19,457,541 | $12,498,224 | 349 | $15,766,491 | $25,694,251 | $17,104,166 |
| 2020 | $342,268,357 | $22,479,587 | $19,904,705 | $15,401,000 | 3 | — | $20,736,703 | $14,702,568 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Connelly Foundation reported a distributable amount of $17.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Inspired by its Catholic heritage, the foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life in the Philadelphia region by supporting charitable organizations in education, human services, arts and culture, and civic life that strengthen resilience and help people flourish.
Its four focus areas are Catholic Education, Human Services, Arts & Culture, and Civic Renewal. The foundation’s website says it is currently accepting applications in Catholic Education, Human Services, and Arts & Culture. Its Civic Renewal program is focused on projects celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, including administration of the Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial; it is not accepting unsolicited civic renewal proposals at this time.
The foundation’s 2024 grants included support for a range of organizations. For example, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia describes its work as providing needs-based scholarships for Philadelphia children to attend K–8 schools, while Sharing Excess describes its mission as addressing food scarcity by connecting surplus food with people in need. Project HOME says its mission is to help adults, children, and families break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 305 grants totaling $15.4 million. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $2,634,408, with a median grant of $15,000. Its FAQ reports an average grant award of $41,000 in 2025 and says many awards cover multiple years.
Among its largest 2024 grants were $2,634,408 to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for purposes including Catholic education initiatives and scholarships; $1,554,415 to National Philanthropic Trust for the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial; $700,000 to Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation for the Cobbs Creek Education Center; and $500,600 to Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School for transportation and a campaign. Other notable grants included $450,000 to Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, $400,000 to Sharing Excess, and $295,500 to Project HOME.
The foundation’s guidelines describe general operating, program or project, and capital support. They say it supports 501(c)(3) organizations and institutions working in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, and Camden, New Jersey. The guidelines list advocacy, annual appeals, charter schools and public-school-only programs, endowments, general solicitations, and several other categories as generally outside its funding scope.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Thomas A. Riley as board chair, president, and trustee; Valerie K. Martin as CFO and treasurer; Frances T. Burns as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and secretary; and Timothy J. Durkin as vice president of grantmaking. Listed trustees also include Craig Carnaroli, Christine C. Connelly, Stephan Connelly, Thomas S. Connelly, Brendan Delany, and Celine Delany.
Connelly Foundation is led by Thomas A. Riley Jr., Board Chair, President & Trustee since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 13 of 18 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Thomas A. Riley Jr.
Board Chair, President & Trustee
President & Trustee → Board Chair, President & Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$355K (2020) → $423K (2024)
Brendan Delany
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1.8 hrs/week
$17K (2020) → $20K (2024)
Celine Delany
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1.8 hrs/week
$17K (2020) → $20K (2024)
Christine C. Connelly
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2.8 hrs/week
$27K (2020) → $40K (2024)
Emily C. Riley
Trustee
Executive Vice President & Trustee → Executive Vice President Emerita & Trustee, 2023
Executive Vice President Emerita & Trustee → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$122K (2020) → $85K (2024)
Josephine C. Mandeville
Trustee
Chair & Trustee → Board Chair, Emerita & Trustee, 2023
Board Chair, Emerita & Trustee → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$153K (2020) → $110K (2024)
Stephan T. Connelly
Trustee
Finance Committee Member → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
2.6 hrs/week
$2K (2020) → $21K (2024)
Thomas S. Connelly
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2.9 hrs/week
$27K (2020) → $41K (2024)
Amelia Riley
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1.9 hrs/week
$17K (2021) → $22K (2024)
Fiona Riley
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1.8 hrs/week
$20K (2024)
Binney Wietlisbach
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2.6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Craig Carnaroli
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott M. Jenkins
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Isabelle Delouvrier
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vincenzo Laruffa
Trustee
On filings since 2023
2.6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Frances T. Burns
Executive Vice President, Chief Op Officer & Secretary
COO & Secretary → Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, 2023
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer → Executive Vice President, Chief Op Officer & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$215K (2020) → $257K (2024)
Timothy J. Durkin
Vice President Grantmaking
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$183K (2020) → $238K (2024)
Valerie K. Martin
CFO & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$226K (2020) → $263K (2024)
Former officers (11)
- Former: Henry Delouvrier (2022–2023) — Trustee
- Former: William Wellman (2022–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Emma Willis (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: James P. Gallagher (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Mary G. Duden (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Barbara Riley (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Julie Connelly (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Caroline Mandeville (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Eleanor Davis (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Ira Brind (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Nicholas Cardone (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $423K, to Thomas a Riley (Board Chair, Pres. & Trustee). 13 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Connelly Foundation
How much does Connelly Foundation give each year?
Connelly Foundation gave $15.4M across 305 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $14.6M across 308 grants.
What is Connelly Foundation's typical grant size?
Connelly Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $50,492, across 305 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Connelly Foundation give grants?
Connelly Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (131 grants), Washington, DC (8 grants), New York, NY (7 grants) and Norristown, PA (6 grants).
Does Connelly Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 54% of Connelly Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (166 of 305) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Community Support" (15 grants), "Summer Scholars - 2024" (13 grants) and "Bridges for Schools Program 2024" (7 grants).
Who are Connelly Foundation's largest grantees?
Connelly Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Archdiocese of Philadelphia ($2,634,408), National Philanthropic Trust ($1,554,415) and Cobbs Creek Restoration and Community Foundation ($700,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 10 grants to individuals ($261,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 32% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Connelly Foundation?
Connelly Foundation reported $362.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $19.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $17.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Connelly Foundation fund?
Inspired by its Catholic heritage, the foundation’s mission is to improve quality of life in the Philadelphia region by supporting charitable organizations in education, human services, arts and culture, and civic life that strengthen resilience and help people flourish. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Connelly Foundation?
The foundation accepts online applications, and its application materials can be previewed or printed before submission. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Connelly Foundation's EIN?
Connelly Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-6296825. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Connelly Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Connelly Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Connelly Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/connelly-foundation-morg_8a16bc6845764c33860604b81e66cd6d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_236296825_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Connelly Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/connelly-foundation-morg_8a16bc6845764c33860604b81e66cd6d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Connelly 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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