About the Foundation
Our
Founders
The Connelly Foundation is guided by, John and Josephine Connelly’s lived examples of charity and giving. The Foundation has an enduring commitment to the Philadelphia region, an abiding respect for the Foundation’s Catholic heritage, a strong emphasis on clear vision, personal relationships, trust and talented leadership, and a firm belief in the power of education as means of building self-reliance and success.
John F.
Connelly
Self-taught entrepreneur, devout Catholic, and lifelong learner John F. Connelly, who
created Connelly Containers and led the dynamic turnaround of Crown Cork & Seal Co., channeled his good fortune into helping others.
created Connelly Containers and led the dynamic turnaround of Crown Cork & Seal Co., channeled his good fortune into helping others.
After a fire destroyed his brand-new plant in Grays Ferry in 1953, rivals stepped in to fill his cardboard box orders and donated equipment to help John swiftly rebuild. This uncommon business community response and goodwill left a lasting impact on John and Josephine. Two years later, the couple created the Connelly Foundation, involving their six children in their Philadelphia-based nonprofit.
As he built Crown plants and hired hundreds of workers all over the world, John saw it as his civic duty to support workforce development, offering people training and opportunities to build income and social mobility. The blessing of business success
enabled the Connellys to help those in need–from simple gestures of generosity and encouragement to large grants.
“He is one of Philadelphia’s most distinguished citizens, one of its most successful citizens, and one of its most charitable citizens", Philadelphia Mayor Bill Green said when John Connelly was given the Americanism Award of the Philadelphia chapter of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith in 1980. “He knows that the best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm… He gives without notice. He doesn’t seek glory.”
As he built Crown plants and hired hundreds of workers all over the world, John saw it as his civic duty to support workforce development, offering people training and opportunities to build income and social mobility. The blessing of business success
enabled the Connellys to help those in need–from simple gestures of generosity and encouragement to large grants.
“He is one of Philadelphia’s most distinguished citizens, one of its most successful citizens, and one of its most charitable citizens", Philadelphia Mayor Bill Green said when John Connelly was given the Americanism Award of the Philadelphia chapter of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith in 1980. “He knows that the best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm… He gives without notice. He doesn’t seek glory.”
josephine c. Connelly
Josephine C. Connelly was a gifted storyteller, tireless correspondent, and devoted
mother of six whose Catholic faith informed her legacy of kindness and purposeful
philanthropy.
mother of six whose Catholic faith informed her legacy of kindness and purposeful
philanthropy.
As chairwoman of the Connelly Foundation, she championed the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Catholic parochial education—including creating thousands of scholarship awards—and women religious. Josephine received many honors for her work, including the Pontifical Award of the Cross, election as the Grand Dame of the Order of Malta, and the Neumann Medal.
The children of Irish immigrants, Josephine and her husband created a meaningful way of giving directly to those who needed it most through a signature, under-the-radar program that continues today.
To her dear family, friends, nuns, priests, strangers, and people down on their luck, Josephine was a keen listener and curious observer of all things. She followed her intuition, loved to laugh and pull pranks, and had a gift for being fully present.
Josephine enjoyed engaging with student scholarship winners, asking “What’s your favorite book?” or “You have a firm handshake, do you play sports?” Passionate about Philadelphia and energized by helping others, Josephine was beloved by her large, extended family. Her generosity was matched by her vivacious sense of humor.
The children of Irish immigrants, Josephine and her husband created a meaningful way of giving directly to those who needed it most through a signature, under-the-radar program that continues today.
To her dear family, friends, nuns, priests, strangers, and people down on their luck, Josephine was a keen listener and curious observer of all things. She followed her intuition, loved to laugh and pull pranks, and had a gift for being fully present.
Josephine enjoyed engaging with student scholarship winners, asking “What’s your favorite book?” or “You have a firm handshake, do you play sports?” Passionate about Philadelphia and energized by helping others, Josephine was beloved by her large, extended family. Her generosity was matched by her vivacious sense of humor.
