Who we are

We are a small, private family foundation whose goal is to continue the mission of our founder, William L. Donahue, to provide financial assistance to families who can not otherwise fit the cost of a private school education in their tight budget.

Mr. Donahue was born on November 24, 1924. He was a graduate of Boston University and served his country during WWII in the Asian-Pacific Campaign. After serving nine years in the FBI, he began a career in the paper distribution business. In 1972 he led the acquisition of Dixon Paper Company in Denver and built it into the leading paper distribution company in the west. After selling the company in 1990 he focused on his philanthropy and established the Donahue Foundation, focusing on Catholic education.

The Board of Directors of the Donahue Foundation currently includes five of Mr. Donahue’s six children as members. Three of his great grandchildren have recently joined as well. The board meets annually in the spring to consider grants for the following calendar year.