FADICA – Catholic Philanthropy Network is pleased to announce the Connelly Foundation as the recipient of the St. Katharine Drexel Award in Catholic Philanthropy. In conferring the award, FADICA celebrates Connelly Foundation’s immense contributions to the Church and commends their generous service to others. The award was conveyed during a particularly meaningful time and place, during FADICA’s 2024 Pilgrimage and Retreat in Rome, Italy in November. FADICA President and CEO Alexia Kelley and Board Chair Michael Wolohan presented the award on Wednesday, November 13 at a dinner for pilgrimage attendees and guests. Connelly Foundation President Tom Riley accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation.
“In a spirit of St. Katharine Drexel, the Connelly Foundation’s philanthropy has enabled many schools and non-profits — and the people they serve — to flourish,” Alexia Kelley said during the award introduction. “The Connelly Foundation has been an important leader in FADICA’s Catholic education work as well, generously sharing their expertise with our network.”
Named after the patron saint of philanthropy and the second-recognized American-born saint, the St. Katharine Drexel Award in Catholic Philanthropy is presented to recognize FADICA members and other Catholic philanthropists for exemplary contributions to philanthropy on behalf of the Church and the common good. The Connelly Foundation is FADICA’s first Drexel award recipient to come from St. Katharine’s hometown of Philadelphia, where they carry out her legacy of direct service to the poor in addressing hunger, education, and workforce development.
The Connelly Foundation’s board includes three family generations and serves as an inspiration for engaged intergenerational philanthropy. Fourteen members of the extended Connelly family were present in Rome for the awards dinner and presentation. Third generation family member, Tom Riley, currently leads the foundation as president.
“Anyone who has met Tom knows his love for Philadelphia runs deep with stories of local pride and community and family connections,” said Michael Wolohan. “This love for the communities and people that the Foundation serves, orients Tom’s leadership and honors his grandparent’s legacy.”
In collaboration with the Connelly Foundation Board, Tom Riley led the development of the foundation’s first strategic plan in order to formally embed the values and intentions of the founders, while further refining giving priorities for strategic impact.
We extend our gratitude to the Connelly Foundation for their dedicated work in civic life, Catholic education, and human flourishing in Philadelphia, and congratulate them for their contributions to the Church and the common good with the St. Katharine Drexel Award in Catholic Philanthropy.
