Philanthropy Awards

St. Katharine Drexel Award in Catholic Philanthropy

For exemplary and outstanding contributions to philanthropy on behalf of the Church and the common good.

Maureen M. O’Leary (2020). In recognition of her valuable philanthropic leadership and profound support of the anti-human trafficking movement, including research, victim-survivor assistance, and Vatican youth conferences; as well as her philanthropic partnerships.

Thomas J. Healey (2020). In recognition of his impactful leadership and philanthropic support for the growth and vitality of Catholic education, for effective management in the Church, the Church in Africa, and for collaborative philanthropic initiatives in these and other areas.

John J. Studzinski, CBE (2020). In recognition of his creative leadership and impactful philanthropic efforts to support human rights and the arts, to eradicate human trafficking in partnership with Catholic Sisters, and to respond with servant leadership to the crisis of homelessness.

B.J. Cassin (2019). In recognition of Cassin’s remarkable contributions in innovative Catholic education in the U.S., particularly through the investment and national scaling of the Cristo Rey model, for leveraging partnerships with corporations as part of the corporate work study program equipping students with employment skills and the means to afford their education, and for making quality, effective Catholic education accessible to all, especially low-income populations, all of which exemplifies St. Katharine’s philanthropic spirit and legacy in the 21st Century.

Sr. Sally Duffy, SC (2017). In recognition of her professional career dedicated to bringing not only financial resources but her own personal involvement and leadership to support a vital Church and social justice in Cincinnati and at the national level, and for providing guidance and spiritual leadership to critical initiatives serving the most vulnerable, including the FADICA co-sponsored Katrina Recovery Project.

Catholic Philanthropy

For demonstrated moral integrity, spiritual commitment to Catholic values and principles, and extraordinary service through charitable giving.

Kathleen McCarthy Kostlan (2017). In recognition of her Catholic philanthropic leadership in California and beyond as the Chair of the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, through which she has significantly impacted and sustained Catholic organizations for a vital Church and the common good, including educational and medical institutions.

Robert A. Smith, III (2017). In honor of his leadership and support to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Church ministries in the Los Angeles region, and as President of the Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation where he has advanced community-based initiatives to help low-income families.

Anthony B. Brenninkmeyer (2015). In honor of his lifelong committment to bringing Catholic values to life and serving the Common Good.

Big Shoulders Fund (2011). In celebration of its transformative impact upon the lives of students and on the quality of education in the urban Catholic schools of Chicago; in heartfelt praise of its extraordinary efforts to mobilize and unite people of goodwill in the cause of educational opportunity for families in poverty; and in spirited tribute to the ingenuity, leadership, integrity, and change-producing ideas that have distinguished its philanthropy.

Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters (2010). For its philanthropic vision, meritorious service, and outstanding example in encouraging the world wide ministries of Catholic women religious.

Sr. Sally Duffy, SC (2009). In recognition of her heroic leadership within the Catholic philanthropic community in responding to the needs of women religious of New Orleans, whose educational and social ministries were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina; and in admiration and respect for her love for the poor and her passion for social justice.

Tom and Marilyn Donnelly (2005). In recognition of their Christian example of generosity and servant leadership; in praise of their loving concern for the faith life of an emerging generation of Catholics; and in gratitude for the warmth and joy that they have brought to Catholic philanthropy.

Fred L. Hofheinz (2004). In praise of his distinguished leadership in religious philanthropy; in appreciation for his encouragement of Catholic stewardship, and in special recognition of his outstaning contribution to the ministry and vitality of Catholicism in the United States.

John J. O’Neil (2001). In a spirit of gratitude and praise for a life of quiet good deeds and love for the poor, for an inspiring Christian example of generosity, unwavering faith and living for others (awarded posthumously).

George and Marie Doty (1999). In a spirit of profound admiration, affection, and gratitude, and in recognition of their generous and caring lives in service to humanity and to the church.

Erica P. John (1993). In recognition of the DeRance Foundation’s extraordinary contribution to Catholic life, to the advancement of the Gospel, and to the service of the poor; in grateful acknowledgement of the supportive role the DeRance Foundation played in the development of FADICA; and in heartfelt praise for her inspiring example of courage and faith.

John M. Bruderman (1989). In grateful acknowledgment as a founding member and animating force behind the development of FADICA and the direction of its board; in celebration of his more than capable stewardship and personal integrity, qualities that embody fidelity to one’s religious convictions and a concern for others that finds a steady manifestation of generosity and commitment of oneself.

Peter S. Robinson (1986). In grateful acknowledgement of his extraordinary vision, energy, and inspiring leadership in founding FADICA; in recognition of his exemplary and conscientious devotion to the development and renewal of Catholic life; and in sincere thankfulness to his colleagues in the Breencanda Foundation for their exceptional moral and material support of the FADICA organization.

Loyola Foundation, Inc. (1985). In grateful acknowledgment of its exemplary leadership and its exceptionally generous moral and material support for the mission activity of the Catholic church throughout the world; in recognition of the conscientious way in which it has so graciously endeavored to give witness to the values of philanthropic cooperation in service to the church; and in sincere thankfulness for its indispensable involvement in the founding and development of FADICA.

Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities, Inc. (1983). In grateful recognition of the Raskob Foundation’s extraordinary foresight in helping to found and to build an organization furthering the ideal of philanthropic association in service to the Church; in thankful acknowledgement of the Raskob Foundation’s exceptional level of personal participation, moral and material support for FADICA itself, and in sincere appreciation for the outstanding example of integrity, vision, and lay leadership which the members of the Raskob Foundation have shown to their colleagues in the Catholic donor community.

Distinguished Catholic Leadership

For imaginative leadership, outstanding initiative and a spirit of service in contributing to the renewal and vitality of the Catholic Church.

Maka Akan Najin Black Elk (2021) In recognition of his courageous leadership to address historical trauma and racial justice through the significant truth and healing process at Red Cloud Indian School; his faith-filled and inclusive approach to healing and reconciliation; and his leadership in the American Indian Catholic Schools Network and the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.

Sister Teresa Maya, CCVI (2019) In recognition of her leadership role in religious life, her committed representation of all sisters– including Latina and next generation sisters, and her example of servant leadership.

Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ (2019) For her steadfast commitment to migrants and refugees through the respite center, her vital leadership in the Rio Grande Valley and her bridge-building approach, and her courageous advocacy to relieve the humanitarian crisis at the Mexico/US border.

Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, OFM (2015).  In recognition of outstanding contributions to the vitality of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Ricardo Ramirez, CSB (2010). For exemplary leadership, his love for the people of God and his vision in shepherding with great wisdom and superb stewardship a home mission diocese and courageous advocacy for human dignity and the empowerment of the poor.

Cardinal John P. Foley (2009). For outstanding service to the worldwide Catholic community; for a generous and inspiring vision of the communications apostolate.

John P. Foley, S.J. (2008). For his vision and remarkable work in starting Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Chicago, and for his leadership in providing Catholic educational opportunities for urban young people.

Bishop Tod D. Brown (2006). For the extraordinary courage and compassion he has shown as the shepherd of the Diocese of Orange, California.

Edmund Cardinal Szoka (2000). For his collaboration with the laity in improving the administration and finances of the Holy See.

Msgr. Philip J. Murnion (1999). For his contribution to the improved quality of Catholic parish life.

Renato Poblete, SJ (1998). For heroic service and devotion to the poor of Chile.

Katarina Schuth, OSF (1995). For excellence in research on Catholic seminaries and for establishing the first training institute for vocations personnel.

Margaret Steinfels (1994). For outstanding writing and commentary on Catholic life.

William J. Bryon, SJ (1992). For the advancement of Catholic social teaching in Catholic higher education.

Walter J. Burghardt, SJ (1991). For his excellence in preaching and contributions to the social ministry of the church.

Sr. Joan Bland, SND (1988). For the enablement of lay leadership through theological education.