Members of the Women’s Giving Circle, an initiative of the Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Cleveland, gathered recently at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe for their annual “Pitch Party,” as they discerned which nonprofit ministries would receive 2026 grants from the group. Six others were selected for runner-up grants. At stake was $78,000 raised by WGC members.
“This is one of the most meaningful gatherings of our year when faith, fellowship and philanthropy come together in a very tangible way,” said Diane Fusco, a WGC founder. She said group members had spent the past two months “prayerfully reviewing” information about the 12 organizations vying for grants. Six finalists, selected by the group, made presentations at the Pitch Party. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost offered opening remarks and prayer.
Mary Lou Ozimek, assistant executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation, said the organizations seeking grants were divided into two categories: diocesan ministries and community nonprofits.
Winners in the diocesan category were:
- Mother Cabrini Food Pantry of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Lorain, first place, $15,000. The pantry provides food assistance to those in South Lorain who are experiencing food insecurity.
- Bishop William Cosgrove Center (a ministry of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland), second place, $13,000. One of the largest daytime drop-in centers in Greater Cleveland, the Cosgrove Center serves breakfast and lunch daily and offers other assistance, including a food pantry, to those experiencing homelessness.
- The diocesan Office for Human Life – Walking with Moms in Need (Gabriel Project), third place, $11,000. The parish-based initiative accompanies pregnant and parenting mothers facing challenging or unexpected circumstances with practical support and personal care.
Winners in the community category were:
- Blessing House, first place, $15,000. The crisis nursery in Elyria provides temporary residential care for children ages birth to 12 whose families are experiencing a crisis, helping to prevent abuse, neglect and family disruption.
- Doors of Hope Geauga, second place, $13,000. Founded in 2021, Doors of Hope provides secure shelter, employment support and educational enrichment to homeless families in Geauga County.
- House of Champions, third place, $11,000. Located at Metro Catholic School in Cleveland, House of Champions is an after-school program serving students in grades 2-4 at the school. It offers tutoring and social-emotional skill development.
Ozimek said the six other contenders/runners up – COAR Peace Mission, the lay ecclesial ministry program and Toyland/Joyland (Catholic Charities) in the diocesan category, and Good Samaritan Hunger Center, Honey from the Rock and Veranova Health in the community category – each received a $1,000 grant.
“Days like today remind us that when women come together in faith and generosity, lives are changed,” said Maria Ruddock, a WGC founder. “Thank you to our presenters, our members, Bishop Woost and our foundation team for making today possible.”
Ruddock said WGC will July 14 at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Parish in Akron for a Christmas in July event to benefit Catholic Charities’ Toyland/Joyland event. The group will participate in a day of service on Aug. 20.
Click here to learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle and its membership levels.