The foundation concentrates large, mission-driven grants to Catholic-affiliated health and social service organizations in Maryland, prioritizing hospital/health system support and parish-based poverty relief. Most dollars go to a small set of repeat grantees that deliver healthcare, emergency assistance, and broader social services for low-income Marylanders. The giving is regionally focused and appears aimed at sustaining core operations and programs rather than broad national philanthropy.
Mary Catherine Bunting Foundation Inc C/o Knollwood Investment Advisory gives large, repeat grants to a small circle of Catholic-affiliated organizations in Maryland, with the biggest recent award going to Catholic Charities of Baltimore for $1,300,000 to improve the lives of Marylanders in need. The foundation’s recent record also shows sustained support for Mercy Health Foundation, which received $1,100,000 in 2024 and another $981,432 in 2025, reflecting a continuing emphasis on hospital and health-system fundraising in Baltimore. Parish-based poverty relief is another clear thread: St Vincent De Paul received $520,000 in 2023, $420,000 in 2024, and $435,000 in 2025 for work serving people impacted by poverty. Beyond direct service, the funder also backs Catholic formation and education, including St Mary’s Seminary & University and Mercy High School. Its grantmaking is regional and heavily centered in Maryland, with a pattern of substantial operating and program support rather than a broad spread of small awards.
Catholic social services are a central theme. The foundation gave $750,000 in 2025 to Catholic Charities of Baltimore to further the organization’s exempt purpose, and a larger $1,300,000 grant in 2024 to improve the lives of Marylanders in need. Healthcare support is another recurring area: Mercy Health Foundation received $981,432 in 2025 to further the exempt purpose of the organization, continuing earlier support tied to Mercy Medical Center and Stella Maris. The foundation also funds education and formation within the Catholic tradition. St Mary’s Seminary & University received $315,000 in 2023 and $200,000 in 2024 for preparing priests from across the nation and the world. In K-12 education, Mercy High School received $200,000 in 2023 for a private Catholic college-preparatory school for young women of diverse backgrounds.
Grant sizes are clustered at a high level: p25 is $50,000, median is $100,000, and p75 is $150,000. The recent record shows repeated awards to the same organizations across multiple years, especially in Baltimore, which points to ongoing relationship-based support rather than one-time giving. The foundation is classified as a Regular Funder, funds individuals, and does not make program-related investments. Recent grants also include both operating-style support and purpose-specific support, showing a mix of general and designated awards.
$7.5M
$132.5M
$21M
$8.5M
Most grants fall between $50K and $150K, with a median of $100K.
25th Percentile
$50K
Median
$100K
75th Percentile
$150K
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Highly concentrated: very few, large grants (multiple multi-hundred-thousand to million-dollar awards), repeated commitments to the same core grantees, and a clear Maryland geographic focus.
Notable grantees: Mercy Health Foundation, Catholic Charities of Baltimore, St Vincent de Paul
Giving is overwhelmingly concentrated in Maryland, which receives 78% of grants and is also the top state by grant count. Baltimore is the main city in the recent record, with multiple awards to Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Mercy Health Foundation, St Vincent De Paul, St Mary’s Seminary & University, and Mercy High School. Outside Baltimore, Annapolis appears through Chesapeake Conservancy, and Silver Spring appears through Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based.
It most often supports Catholic-affiliated health and social service organizations in Maryland. The recent record includes repeated grants to Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Mercy Health Foundation, and St Vincent De Paul, along with support for Catholic education and priestly formation through St Mary’s Seminary & University and Mercy High School.
Its grant sizes are relatively large. The typical range is $50,000 at the 25th percentile, $100,000 at the median, and $150,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent awards also include several grants above $1 million, showing that some recipients receive major operating or fundraising support.
Yes. Several recipients appear across multiple years. Mercy Health Foundation received grants in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Catholic Charities of Baltimore appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and St Vincent De Paul also appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Most grants go to Maryland, which accounts for 78% of grants and is the top state by grant count. Baltimore is the most common recipient city in the recent grants list, with additional awards in Annapolis and Silver Spring.
The foundation supports Catholic social services, healthcare fundraising, parish-based poverty relief, Catholic education, priestly formation, and Chesapeake Bay-related conservation. Recent grants show those themes through awards to Catholic Charities of Baltimore, Mercy Health Foundation, St Vincent De Paul, St Mary’s Seminary & University, and Chesapeake Conservancy.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCY HEALTH FOUNDATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $981,432 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF BALTIMORE | BALTIMORE, MD | $750,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ST VINCENT DE PAUL | BALTIMORE, MD | $435,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHESAPEAKE CONSERVANCY | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $270,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| INSTITUTE FOR ISLAMIC CHRISTIAN AND JEWISH STUDIES | BALTIMORE, MD | $258,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SHARE FOUNDATION EL SALVADOR | BERKELEY, CA | $240,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CARMELITE SISTERS OF BALTIMORE | BALTIMORE, MD | $206,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CENTRAL BALTIMORE PARTNERSHIP | BALTIMORE, MD | $200,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | BALTIMORE, MD | $199,688 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ST MARY'S SEMINARY & UNIVERSITY | BALTIMORE, MD | $193,467 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NORTHERN KENYA FUND | HUNT VALLEY, MD | $160,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SISTERS OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI | ST FRANCIS, WI | $150,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LOYOLA SCHOOL | BALTIMORE, MD | $150,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $132,500 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA | WASHINGTON, DC | $125,631 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| IGNATIAN SOLIDARITY NETWORK | UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OH | $125,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| GOVANS ECUMENICAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (GEDCO) | BALTIMORE, MD | $122,500 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| OAKCREST SCHOOL | VIENNA, VA | $106,686 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $105,240 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE FOUNDATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $105,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ROLAND PARK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $104,484 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MERCY HEALTH FOUNDATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $101,701 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CONSERVATION FUND | ARLINGTON, VA | $101,018 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES | BALTIMORE, MD | $100,667 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HEALTHCARE ACCESS MARYLAND INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WOMEN'S EDUCATION ALLIANCE | TOWSON, MD | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL OF BETHLEHEM FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION | NEW YORK, NY | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ST FRANCES ACADEMY | BALTIMORE, MD | $100,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ST FRANCES ACADEMY | BALTIMORE, MD | $86,162 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS | SILVER SPRING, MD | $75,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SHARE FOUNDATION EL SALVADOR | BERKELEY, CA | $74,282 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHESAPEAKE BAY OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL | BALTIMORE, MD | $60,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $55,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MARYLAND FOOD BANK | BALTIMORE, MD | $50,851 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| FRANCISCAN CENTER INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $50,509 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL | BALTIMORE, MD | $50,509 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND | BALTIMORE, MD | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WATER - WOMEN'S ALLIANCE FOR THEOLOGY ETHICS & RITUAL | SILVER SPRING, MD | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ARAMINTA FREEDOM INITIATIVE | BALTIMORE, MD | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| DRINK AT THE WELL | BALTIMORE, MD | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WELL FOR THE JOURNEY | LUTHERVILLE, MD | $50,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $45,865 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS | BALTIMORE, MD | $40,605 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SAFE HOUSE PROJECT | ALEXANDRIA, VA | $34,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NEXT ONE UP | BALTIMORE, MD | $31,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| MERCY CORPS | PORTLAND, OR | $30,909 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION | NEW YORK, NY | $27,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SANDY HOOK PROMISE FOUNDATION | NEWTOWN, CT | $25,000 | 2025 | TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION |
MERCY HEALTH FOUNDATION
$981,432TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF BALTIMORE
$750,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
$435,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
SHARE FOUNDATION EL SALVADOR
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
CARMELITE SISTERS OF BALTIMORE
$206,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
$199,688TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ST MARY'S SEMINARY & UNIVERSITY
$193,467TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
NORTHERN KENYA FUND
$160,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
SISTERS OF ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
$150,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
LOYOLA SCHOOL
$150,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$132,500TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA
$125,631TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
IGNATIAN SOLIDARITY NETWORK
$125,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
BALTIMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$105,240TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ROLAND PARK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$104,484TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
MERCY HEALTH FOUNDATION
$101,701TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
CONSERVATION FUND
$101,018TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES
$100,667TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS INC
$100,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
HEALTHCARE ACCESS MARYLAND INC
$100,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL OF BETHLEHEM FOUNDATION
$100,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
$100,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ST FRANCES ACADEMY
$100,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
ST FRANCES ACADEMY
$86,162TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS
$75,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
SHARE FOUNDATION EL SALVADOR
$74,282TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
FRANCISCAN CENTER INC
$50,509TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
CRISTO REY JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL
$50,509TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
$50,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
WATER - WOMEN'S ALLIANCE FOR THEOLOGY ETHICS & RITUAL
$50,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
WELL FOR THE JOURNEY
$50,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
AMERICAN RED CROSS
$40,605TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
NEXT ONE UP
$31,000TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
TO FURTHER THE EXEMPT PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION