Galileo Foundation

The Galileo Foundation, established in 2017 by John McCaffrey after his work with Pope Francis and the Pontifical Academies, is a faith-driven philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening the Catholic Church's capacity and advancing the Holy See's apostolic mission. Chaired by McCaffrey with a board of leading philanthropists, it unites international Catholic and interfaith donors to combat global injustice through initiatives promoting human dignity, guided by values of universality, compassion, dialogue, and papal priorities for a fairer world.

It funds targeted projects in key areas: anti-human trafficking (e.g., multi-year support for Talitha Kum network), aid for migrants and refugees, support for Christian communities in the Holy Land (especially children and youth), interfaith dialogue via events like the Faith and Philanthropy Summit, and scientific/social research through the Pontifical Academies. Activities include frontline services, capacity building, advocacy, heritage restoration (e.g., Papal Observatory telescope), and convenings, benefiting survivors of trafficking, displaced peoples, marginalized Christians, and at-risk communities across 70+ countries.

Eligible entities are primarily Catholic, faith-based, or interfaith organizations with strong alignment to Church priorities; no income thresholds or geographic restrictions apply, favoring both large international networks and grassroots partners. Grants typically range from £10,000 to £500,000, often £25,000-£100,000 for major projects, covering project-specific, capacity, or strategic needs but rarely unrestricted funding.

Strictly invite-only with no unsolicited applications, deadlines, or public processes—funding is relationship-driven, proactively identifying partners via internal networks and Vatican endorsements. Distinctive for its unique Vatican ties, high-level advocacy, and interfaith alliances, it excludes non-aligned initiatives, emphasizing Church-led social justice over open philanthropy.