Carrie Estelle Doheny formed the Foundation in 1949 to perpetuate her life’s work, supporting charitable efforts in the Los Angeles area. Mrs. Doheny was a woman of strong faith, intellectual curiosity and deep compassion for the underserved in her community. Her wishes were to fund the advancement of Education, Medicine and Religion for future generations as well as the care of infants, children, families, the sick, the aged and the needy.
Educational funding includes support of inner city Catholic schools, and scholarship funds for Catholic high schools and universities. The schools receiving the scholarship funds are evaluated both on academic excellence and their curriculum requirements for community outreach. Organizations with initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes such as after school and mentoring programs are encouraged to apply, as are organizations providing resources to advance literacy and economic self-reliance. Adult education programs and religious education are also supported.
Medical funding is focused in two areas: research and care of the disadvantaged. Research funding is primarily directed to the work of the Doheny Eye Institute and other causes which were of interest to Mrs. Doheny. Funding of hospitals and convalescent care facilities is an attempt to bring quality care to those who are otherwise under-served.
Religious funding is directed to support the gospel values as expressed in the Roman Catholic faith. Grants in this area have been awarded to religious orders, projects of the archdiocese, retreat centers, outreach programs, and involvement in social justice issues that guard the value of every human being.
Health and Welfare funding is directed to organizations who assist individuals to lead independent, satisfying lives. Specific areas of interest include adoption and foster care service groups, programs for the disabled, health education programs, and senior programs.
Aid to Those In Need funding includes inner city youth clubs, summer camps, shelters and food banks. Within each area of funding, the Foundation seeks those programs that recognize the individual dignity and spiritual needs of the people served, as well as their capacity to become tomorrow's mentors and community leaders.
