The BP Lester & Regina John Foundation concentrates its giving on Catholic secondary education in the Portland, OR area, providing substantial support to local private high schools. Grants are large and targeted, including repeat funding to core institutions, indicating a preference for sustaining and strengthening established parochial schools. The foundation’s philanthropy appears focused on institutional operating or program support rather than broad geographic or issue diversification.
Concentrated, high-dollar grants to a very small set of repeat grantees — primarily local Catholic secondary schools — rather than many small or geographically diverse awards.
A defining feature of the Bp Lester & Regina John Foundation is its repeated, high-dollar support for Catholic secondary education in Portland, especially through general operating grants to schools that appear across multiple years. Central Catholic High School received $173,475 in 2023 and $100,000 in 2025, while St Mary's Academy received $169,865 in 2025, $150,250 in 2024, and $140,000 in 2023. That pattern points to a funder that sustains established institutions rather than spreading small gifts across many causes. The foundation also backs related Catholic education institutions such as Holy Cross School, St Andrew Nativity School, La Salle Catholic College Preparatory, and De La Salle North Catholic High School, reinforcing a clear institutional focus. Beyond schools, its grants include support for Catholic Charities, All Saints Parish, and other Portland-area nonprofits, but the largest and most repeated awards cluster around parochial education. The available grant record shows a local funder with a strong preference for core support and multi-year relationships with familiar organizations.
Catholic education is the center of the foundation’s giving. General operating support went to Holy Cross School for $81,500 in 2024 and to St Andrew Nativity School for $76,500 in 2024, with additional grants to both organizations in other years. The foundation also supported La Salle Catholic College Preparatory with $75,000 in 2025 and $75,000 in 2023, showing ongoing backing for the school’s operations. Its school-focused portfolio extends to De La Salle North Catholic High School, which received $71,000 in 2023, $51,500 in 2024, and $51,250 in 2025. Outside the classroom, the foundation funded Catholic Charities with $75,000 in 2025, $50,000 in 2024, and $50,000 in 2023, along with All Saints Parish at $105,000 in 2024.
Grant sizes cluster in the middle range: p25 is $5,000, median is $15,000, and p75 is $25,000, but the recent record also includes much larger operating grants to long-time recipients. The pattern suggests recurring support rather than one-time awards; several organizations appear in multiple years, including St Mary's Academy, Central Catholic High School, and Catholic Charities. All grants in the supplied recipient-country data went to U.S. organizations, and the foundation’s profile indicates a local geographic scope. The foundation does not fund individuals and does not make program-related investments.
$2M
$39.2M
$7.5M
$2.6M
Most grants fall between $5K and $25K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$25K
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Notable grantees: St. Mary's Academy, Central Catholic High School
The grant record is heavily concentrated in Portland, OR, which accounts for 87% of grants in the foundation’s HQ state of Oregon. Portland recipients include Central Catholic High School, St Mary's Academy, All Saints Parish, and Catholic Charities. A smaller share reaches nearby communities such as Milwaukie, OR, where La Salle Catholic College Preparatory appears, and Lake Oswego, OR, where Northwest Children's Outreach received support. The recipient-country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.
It supports Catholic secondary education and related faith-based institutions most often. Recent grants went to schools such as Central Catholic High School, St Mary's Academy, Holy Cross School, St Andrew Nativity School, La Salle Catholic College Preparatory, and De La Salle North Catholic High School, along with Catholic Charities and All Saints Parish.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including St Mary's Academy in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Central Catholic High School in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and Catholic Charities in 2023, 2024, and 2025. That repeat pattern indicates ongoing support rather than isolated one-time grants.
The typical grant size is $5,000 at the 25th percentile, $15,000 at the median, and $25,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent grantmaking also includes larger operating grants, showing that the foundation can make awards well above the median for established recipients.
Its giving is local and concentrated in Oregon, with 87% of grants going to recipients in the HQ state. Portland appears most often, with additional grants to recipients in Milwaukie and Lake Oswego. The recipient-country data is entirely U.S.-based.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ST MARY'S ACADEMY | PORTLAND, OR | $140,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| BLANCHET HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY | PORTLAND, OR | $125,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LA SALLE CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY | MILWAUKIE, OR | $122,600 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $110,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL - PORTLAND COUNCIL | PORTLAND, OR | $100,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY | SANTA CLARA, CA | $75,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| PROJECT LEMONADE | PORTLAND, OR | $57,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| DE LA SALLE NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $51,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST ANDREW NATIVITY SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $51,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ROSE HAVEN CIC | PORTLAND, OR | $50,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES | PORTLAND, OR | $50,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH | LAKE OSWEGO, OR | $50,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| OREGON FOOD BANK | PORTLAND, OR | $50,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS | PORTLAND, OR | $50,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| VALLEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | BEAVERTON, OR | $43,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE | PORTLAND, OR | $40,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ALL SAINTS SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $37,125 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION | LAKE OSWEGO, OR | $35,100 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CHILDREN'S CANCER ASSOCIATION | PORTLAND, OR | $30,300 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| THE MARIPOSA DR FOUNDATION | ITHICA, NY | $30,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| NORTHWEST CHILDREN'S OUTREACH | LAKE OSWEGO, OR | $30,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SERENITY LANE HEALTH SERVICES | COBURG, OR | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH | HILLSBORO, OR | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| NORTHWEST PILOT PROJECT INC | PORTLAND, OR | $25,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST THERESE CATHOLIC SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $24,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CASA TERESA | ORANGE, CA | $24,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS COLUMBIA NW | PORTLAND, OR | $22,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SAFETY COMPASS | SILVERTON, OR | $21,500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HOLY CROSS SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $21,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| REGIS ST MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL | STAYTON, OR | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| STORE TO DOOR | PORTLAND, OR | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| NORTHWEST CATHOLIC COUNSELING CENTER | PORTLAND, OR | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL | OREGON CITY, OR | $20,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $16,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| MAYBELLE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST IGNATIUS SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| TARAHUMARA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | MILWAUKIE, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL | VANCOUVER, WA | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| RAPHAEL HOUSE | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| PHAME ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| MEALS ON WHEELS PEOPLE | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST CLARE CATHOLIC SCHOOL | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CYOCAMP HOWARD | PORTLAND, OR | $15,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ST LUKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL | WOODBURN, OR | $12,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE | PORTLAND, OR | $11,500 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| LIFEWORKS NW | PORTLAND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| VISITATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL | FOREST GROVE, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| OREGON SYMPHONY | PORTLAND, OR | $10,000 | 2026 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
ST MARY'S ACADEMY
$140,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
LA SALLE CATHOLIC COLLEGE PREPARATORY
$122,600GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
$110,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
$75,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
PROJECT LEMONADE
$57,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
DE LA SALLE NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
$51,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST ANDREW NATIVITY SCHOOL
$51,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
OUR LADY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
AMERICAN RED CROSS
$50,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
VALLEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
$43,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
COMMUNITY WAREHOUSE
$40,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ALL SAINTS SCHOOL
$37,125GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
PARKER BOUNDS JOHNSON FOUNDATION
$35,100GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
NORTHWEST CHILDREN'S OUTREACH
$30,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SERENITY LANE HEALTH SERVICES
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH
$25,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST THERESE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$24,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SAFETY COMPASS
$21,500GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
$21,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST THOMAS MORE SCHOOL
$20,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
REGIS ST MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$20,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST JOHN THE APOSTLE SCHOOL
$20,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$16,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST IGNATIUS SCHOOL
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
TARAHUMARA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
OUR LADY OF LOURDES SCHOOL
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
MEALS ON WHEELS PEOPLE
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST CLARE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
CYOCAMP HOWARD
$15,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
ST LUKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$12,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
VISITATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
OREGON SYMPHONY
$10,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT