Foundations in Faith Program Associate

Foundations in Faith, Inc. is a Connecticut not-for-profit organization committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the Catholic Church throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport through strategic philanthropic investment, parish engagement, and faith formation initiatives.

Through the St. John Paul II Fund for Faith Formation and other charitable initiatives, Foundations in Faith provides resources that strengthen parish life, support innovative approaches to faith formation, and foster opportunities for spiritual growth and discipleship across the Diocese.

The Program Associate is responsible for managing and assisting in the development of the St. John Paul II Fund for Faith Formation and other grantmaking or programmatic initiatives as assigned.

With direct oversight and management of overall grant operations and reporting to the Director, the Program Associate will manage, according to Board-approved procedures, the full grant application, review, award, compliance, and reporting processes. The Program Associate will serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and current grant recipients and will work to cultivate strong relationships with pastors, parish staff, ministry leaders, and other stakeholders throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport.

The Program Associate will play a critical role in defining and implementing the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy and priorities and will manage all facets of the St. John Paul II Fund for Faith Formation and other grantmaking initiatives sustained or launched through Foundations in Faith.

The Program Associate will also be responsible for communications, marketing, reporting, and storytelling related to Foundation programs and funded initiatives. The successful candidate must possess the knowledge and ability to work closely with Foundation staff, board members, parish leaders, diocesan personnel, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

The Program Associate will prepare regular and annual reports for leadership, committees, donors, and the Board by providing relevant data regarding program performance, grant impact, and strategic outcomes.

• Administration of the overall grant application, review, selection, award, compliance, and reporting processes.
• Administering all aspects of the St. John Paul II Fund for Faith Formation, including application development, applicant support, review coordination, award recommendations, and post-award monitoring.
• Administration of grant recipient reporting requirements and ensuring compliance with grant agreements and Foundation expectations.
• Maintaining grant records, documentation, databases, and program reporting systems.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of policies, procedures, guidelines, and evaluation tools related to Foundation grantmaking activities.
• Preparing funding recommendations and supporting grant review committees and Board leadership throughout the decision-making process.
• Monitoring grant-funded initiatives and evaluating progress toward program goals and intended outcomes.
• Supporting the development and administration of future grantmaking and community engagement initiatives.

• Cultivating relationships with pastors, parish administrators, directors of religious education, youth ministers, and other parish leaders throughout the Diocese.
• Providing technical assistance and guidance to applicants and grant recipients.
• Conducting outreach activities, informational sessions, presentations, and meetings related to Foundation programs.
• Serving as the primary liaison between the Foundation and grant recipients.
• Representing Foundations in Faith at…