2025 Community Grants

Celebrating Our 2024-2025
Community Grant Awardees

Jo Ann Ramirez, Chairwoman 

Dianna Hampton, Co-Chairwomen

With heartfelt gratitude and joy, we are proud to announce the recipients of our 2024-2025 Community Grants. These ministries and nonprofit organizations have been chosen for their dedicated service, innovative outreach, and unwavering commitment to embodying the mission of service. A total of $8,557.25* was dispersed.

Each project reflects a unique way of spreading hope, compassion, and love—core values at the heart of our organization. We are honored to support these efforts as they bring light and healing to those in need.

Please join us in congratulating our grant recipients and praying for their continued success in the important work ahead. You can learn more about their ministries and impact below.

Society of St Vincent de Paul

OLPH & St. Raymond Conferences : A Catholic volunteer organization serving the poor and homeless—regardless of their faith—through the OLPH & St. Raymond Conferences.  Funding will support their ongoing efforts to provide essential services and resources, including meals, shelter, and outreach programs, to those in need within our community.                                                               

$1,000.00 grant per conference

St. Dominic Savio (SDS) Catholic Church

Camp Savio: A Catholic volunteer organization serving the poor and homeless—regardless of their faith—through the OLPH & St. Raymond Conferences.  Funding will support their ongoing efforts to provide essential services and resources, including meals, shelter, and outreach programs, to those in need within our community.                                                               

$1,000.00 grant per conference

Food Pantry:  The SDS Food Pantry serves between 100 and 150 individuals each week, providing vital nourishment to those in need. Grant funds will be used to install two steel guards to protect the pantry’s delivery truck catalytic converter, helping to prevent future theft and ensuring uninterrupted service to the SDS community.

$1,092.50 grant

Friends of the Downey City Library

Funding will support the purchase of books for the Children’s Librarian’s year-long Children’s Story Time program, specially designed for children ages 0–5. This engaging initiative fosters a love of reading and early literacy through age-appropriate stories shared in a nurturing environment.$1,000.00 grant . 

St. Raymond Catholic Church

Religious Education: Funding will support the Electronic Assistance for the Catechist program through the purchase of two iPads. These devices will enhance the catechists’ ability to take attendance, plan lessons, and engage students more effectively—strengthening both organization and instruction in St. Raymond’s religious education programs.

$700.00 grant 

Altar Server Appreciation Night : Funding will support the 2025 Night of Appreciation, a special event dedicated to celebrating the commitment and service of St. Raymond altar servers. These remarkable young individuals—ranging from 4th grade through high school—have each contributed three years of dedicated service. This evening of recognition honors their faith, leadership, and heartfelt contributions to the St. Raymond community. 

$760.00 grant 

Seniors Program: Support the growth and sustainability of the senior outreach program by nurturing meaningful fellowship opportunities for adults aged 55 and older. This program is designed to encourage social connection, spiritual enrichment, and a sense of belonging through engaging activities and shared experiences.

$380.00 grant

Children’s Liturgy : Help enrich a child’s spiritual journey by providing meaningful gifts such as Lenten crosses, Marian rosaries, faith-inspired wristbands, and devotional books. These small yet powerful items encourage children to keep Jesus at the center of their lives—every day, in every moment.

$240.00 grant 

Living Last Supper and Christmas Concert: Grant funding will help support two meaningful musical and liturgical events: the Annual Living Last Supper and beloved Christmas program. These spiritually enriching performances bring Scripture to life and deepen the worship experience for our entire faith community.

$135.00 grant

Scriptures Studies: Funding will be used to purchase Ascension Press Study and Leadership materials in preparation for the upcoming Scripture Study program. These resources will help guide participants deeper into God’s Word while supporting our leaders in fostering meaningful, faith-filled discussions.

$250.00 grant 

Italian Catholic Federation #362 : Provide financial support to three impactful ICF initiatives:

– ICF National Charity Cooley’s Anemia–Thalassemia

– The Sir Luigi and Lady Augusta Providenza Seminary Scholarship Fund

– Gift of Love, a program dedicated to helping developmentally disabled children and adults achieve greater independence.

$1,000.00 grant 

Through the Our Lady of Grace Community Grant program, we affirm our commitment to  compassion, education, and dignity for all.

*The total disbursement listed in the summer newsletter was reported at $8,560.25.  However, this figure was incorrect due to an inaccurate amount shown for the St. Dominic Savio Food Pantry disbursement.  The Executive Committee approved $1,092.25 for that allocation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Our Lady of Grace Women's Guild Inc. is a 501(c)(3) California nonprofit organization 

Tax ID # 99-3729156