About the BP Oliver Catholic Foundation
The BP Oliver Catholic Foundation began as Trust Funds Incorporated in 1934 and has operated continuously since that time. It continues the legacy of Mr. Bartley P. Oliver. Mr Oliver was a noted philanthropist and successful businessman in the real estate industry.
Mr. Oliver’s intention was to contribute to the good works of the Catholic Church in the San Francisco Bay Area.
As such, our foundation has a Catholic orientation. Grants are awarded four times a year to Catholic schools and a variety of Catholic ministries, a vast majority of which are located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Funds given to our foundation by individuals are awarded by the Directors, respecting the wishes of the donor.
Our Foundation
Areas of Interest
- Catholic Education
- Religious Activities
- Social Services
- Sanctity of Life
Criteria for judging grant requests
- Programs which might not exist at all without BP Oliver Catholic Foundation support
- Programs which incorporate ideas that are consistent with Catholic values
- Programs that seek opportunities where a small grant may accomplish a great result – a little bit goes a long way
- Favors programs which promise to be or become self-supporting
Board of Directors
- Elizabeth Kelley: President
- Alfred Peguero: Chief Financial Officer
- John Strain: Secretary
- Margaret Healy Vibandor: Board Member
- Mary Beth Riley: Board Member
Guidelines
- Grants are primarily targeted for programs and organizations that are local to the San Francisco Bay Area.
- We do not make grants for buildings or endowments, and we do not contribute to annual fundraising campaigns.
- Causes that have significant public or federal support are not a priority.
- The BP Oliver Catholic Foundation provides grants primarily to Catholic schools and institutions, and does not provide grants to individuals.
- Before a new grant proposal may be considered, two calendar years must have elapsed from the year a prior grant was awarded.