She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. —PROVERBS 31:25
Women for Excellence is a support organization of Elyria Catholic High School, bringing together alumnae, parents, and friends in a spirit of sistership. Through the Circle of Grace, faith-filled programs, and educational and social events, we strive to deepen our faith, forge lasting friendships, and make a meaningful impact on our school community. Join us as we amplify our voices, strengthen bonds, and champion Elyria Catholic’s mission in meaningful ways. Experience the unique blend of faith, friendship, and impact that Women for Excellence offers-- where every woman can thrive and make a difference.
Circle of Grace: Meet, ,Mingle & Make an Impact- Join us for an evening of fellowship, connection, and learning on September 9 at 5:30pm at Elyria Catholic! Whether you’re a current Circle of Grace member or interested in becoming one, come meet other women, learn what’s ahead for the fall cycle, and discover how Circle of Grace makes an impact at Elyria Catholic.
Circle of Grace is a strong, inclusive community of women who pool their gifts to create opportunities for future generations of Elyria Catholic students through grant giving. As the giving arm of Women for Excellence, Circle of Grace directs the power of women giving together into projects that make a real impact for our faculty, staff, and students. Grants are awarded annually in the fall.
Fall 2025 Grants- On November 18, members of Circle of Grace reviewed twelve proposals and selected eight projects, awarding a total of $7,300 in funding to support innovation, faith, and enrichment across our community.
What we Fund: Projects should advance the mission of Elyria Catholic High School: To empower young adults to identify and use their God-given gifts to learn, worship, and serve, guided by Catholic tradition. We especially welcome proposals that:
Strengthen faith and learning opportunities;
Increase community involvement in our local community and beyond; and
Support innovative and experiential student learning and programming.
Eligibility and Submission:
Any faculty, staff, or student in the Elyria Catholic community may apply.
Applicants may request up to $2,000.
Proposals are evaluated on how they reflect Elyria Catholic’s mission and Circle of Grace priorities.
Complete all questions on the grant proposal application and upload any required supporting documents as required.
Reporting & Recognition:
Grant recipients will share outcomes in a brief presentation/interview with Circle of Grace.
Attendance at the spring Women for Excellence event is highly encouraged.
Cycle Deadlines:
Fall Cycle: Proposals due October 19, 2026. Google Form
Step 1:President and Principal Approval Form- Before starting the grant application, you must first receive approval from the President and Principal. Please download and complete the appropriate form by following the steps provided. Once the form has been completed and signed, upload it as directed. You must have this approval before moving on to the grant application.
Step 2: Grant Application Form- Once you have reviewed the Circle of Grace guidelines and believe your project meets the requirements, please submit your application using the Google Form.
If you have any questions or need help with your application, please contactMelissa Byrdy- Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations.
Circle Of Grace: Inspired by Our Lady of Grace, our Elyria Catholic patroness, the Circle of Grace empowers members to address the needs of Elyria Catholic High School with a spirit of generosity and compassion. Members review grant applications and select projects that support faculty and staff special projects and student academic enrichment. This structure ensures that our contributions make a meaningful impact on both the growth of our educators and the enrichment of our students’ experiences.
Membership: Open to all Elyria Catholic alumni and friends, and new members are always welcome! You don’t have to be a member to participate in our events. However, members gain a special voting right, allowing you to be part of the decision-making process that shapes how we support Elyria Catholic. Register
Educational & Social Events: Women for Excellence offers opportunities to connect with others through engaging social and educational events. These gatherings foster meaningful relationships and professional growth while supporting the mission of Elyria Catholic.
Be a part of Women for Excellence by joining one of our volunteer committees:
Faith-Filled Committee: Foster spiritual growth through gatherings and service projects, creating opportunities for reflection and connection within the community.
Social & Educational Committee: Connect with others through networking events and workshops that inspire learning and build lasting relationships.
We meet regularly to celebrate progress, welcome new volunteers, and reflect on our impact. Join us in this exciting journey, and be part of the decision-making process that shapes the future of Elyria Catholic.