By CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted May 8, 2026

The Papal Foundation has approved more than $15 million in grants for 2026, funding a record 144 projects in 75 countries as members gathered in Rome last week for their annual pilgrimage and audience with Pope Leo XIV.

Founded in 1988 and based outside Philadelphia, the foundation is the only U.S. organization dedicated exclusively to fulfilling requests from the Holy Father for the needs of the Church.

The announcement was made during the group’s April 29–May 2 visit to the Vatican, which included liturgies, meetings with Church officials, and participation in the Holy See’s charitable and diplomatic mission.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez joined foundation leaders for the pilgrimage, which also included visits to major basilicas and other Vatican sites.

The grants will support Vatican-designated projects in education, health care, and humanitarian relief, including schools, monasteries, orphanages and clinics in developing countries.

Projects include a dormitory in Tanzania to help protect girls from early marriage and trafficking, a school for tribal children in India, a library and technology center in the Central African Republic, job training for women in the Philippines and expanded clean water access in Guinea.

“This year’s grants are a powerful testament to what can be accomplished through faithful stewardship and shared mission,” said Ward Fitzgerald, president of the board of trustees.

The foundation’s grants committee, chaired by Dr. Tammy Tenaglia of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, reviewed Vatican requests and recommended 144 projects for approval.

The board approved more than $15 million in total funding, including $12.5 million in immediate grants, and $3 million to be distributed later in 2026.

The pilgrimage brought together 56 Steward families for prayer, formation, and an audience with Pope Leo XIV, the first since his election. The foundation said its “Stewards of St. Peter” program has added 25 new families since Pope Leo XIV’s election.

Since 1988, the foundation has distributed more than $270 million in grants for more than 2,700 projects worldwide selected by recent popes.

For more information about The Papal Foundation, visit thepapalfoundation.org.