Connelly Foundation
| Founded | 1955 |
|---|---|
| Founder | John & Josephine Connelly |
| Focus | Education, Health & Human Services, cultural and civic endeavors |
| Location | |
Area served | Primarily the Delaware Valley |
| Method | Donations and grants |
Key people |
John F. Connelly, Co-founder Josephine Connelly, Co-founder Josephine C. Mandeville, President and CEO |
Employees | 16[1] |
| Website | connellyfdn.org |
The Connelly Foundation is a Philadelphia philanthropic organization based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The organization was founded in 1955 by businessman and entrepreneur John F. Connelly, most commonly known for founding Connelly Containers, based just outside Philadelphia on the Schuylkill River. John F. Connelly headed the foundation until his death in 1990,[2] and his wife Josephine led until her death in 1999. The Connelly Foundation is currently headed by Josephine C. Mandeville, who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.
The stated mission of The Connelly Foundation is as follows: "[The] Connelly Foundation is a private grant making organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in the greater Philadelphia region. [The] Connelly Foundation responds to requests for funding from education, health and human service, cultural and civic organizations. It's [sic] heritage is steeped in the integrity of its founders, who embodied the ideals of faith, uncommon vision and the manifest courage of their convictions."
The foundation is arguably most well known in the Delaware Valley area for its charitable giving and general financial support to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In 2006, the foundation gave over $3.4 million to Catholic education in the Philadelphia area.[3]
History
John F. Connelly founded The Connelly Foundation in 1955 while maintaining his position as head of Connelly Containers. He would go on in 1956 to become chairman of the Crown Cork and Seal Company, a position he held until his death in 1990 at age 85. During his lifetime, Connelly saw the foundation award over $74 million in grants to both religious and secular organizations in education, health and human services and cultural activities.
Activities and programs
The Connelly Foundation has awarded over $300 million in grants since its inception in 1955, mostly within the Philadelphia area.[4] The organization maintains a detailed breakdown of to whom grants are awarded on a yearly basis on their website.
The Connelly-Delouvrier Scholars Program
The Connelly-Delouvrier Scholars Program was established at Villanova University in 1999 and is designed to provide financial assistance for one semester for a "select group of academically talented students" to study abroad.[5] According to Villanova University's website, "The Connelly-Delouvrier International Scholarship is open to students in good standing in the University Honors Program (3.33 cumulative GPA) and to students who are Presidential Scholarship recipients."
See also
- Archdiocese of Philadelphia
- The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia Foundation
- William Penn Foundation