The promise of Catholic education is the full development of the whole person through faith formation opportunities and a rigorous academic curriculum that instills students with the community values of hard work, faith, respect, self-worth, compassion, and service. FACE provides critical student support resources, for many, as the first generation of their families to receive a quality education that paves the way for higher education opportunities and beyond. FACE families come from neighborhoods where adversity is high. Sadly, in these same communities, hope, and the expectation of a change for the future, is low. With the gift of a Catholic education, students are not only able to endure and overcome many obstacles, but grow and thrive in the years to come.

A Catholic elementary education lays the groundwork for solid academic discipline as well as the formation of a lifetime love of learning, and service to others in the wider community.  For the 2021-2022 academic year, an elementary education FACE grant provides $2,500 of support per student.

A Catholic high school education continues the formation of the whole person and offers each student the opportunity to develop intellectually, spiritually, and socially. In high school, students are encouraged to pursue their particular interests and form an individual identity as a member of the larger community.  For the 2021-2022 academic year, a high school FACE grant provides $3,500 of support per student.   We are happy to celebrate that at least 98% of a typical graduating class of FACE recipients continue their education at two- and four-year schools.

2021-22 FACE Applications and Information

Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year are now closed.

If you have any questions, please contact Terri Porter, Director of FACE at 510.267.8314 or tporter@oakdiocese.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a FACE grant?

Applications are accepted through each student's school in early January of each year. Links to an online application will be made available in the "Applying for a Grant?" section at the top of this page.  Families with students in elementary and high schools should apply through both schools. 

Do I apply to FACE directly?

No, do not apply through the FACE office. Apply through the student's school financial aid office or through the links provided through this website.  Links to an online application will be available in January in the "Applying for a Grant?" section at the top of this page.

Do I need to be Catholic?

No. FACE grants are awarded based on financial need.  Your child does have to be enrolled in or applying to a Catholic school within the Diocese of Oakland.

What do I need to provide for my application to be complete?

You must complete an application that includes required income verification and/or other financial documentation by April 30, 2021. It is important that you select Family Aid-Catholic Education by "checking the FACE box" when completing your grant and aid application on the FACTS website. Failure to do so will result in your application not being processed by the FACE office.

Given the volume of applications, early submission is encouraged and ensures timely completion of the review process. Some applications received by April 30, 2021, require additional documentation as requested by FACTS.  Additional or missing information must be confirmed as received by FACTS or the application will be denied.  Application deadlines are firm.

Who determines eligibility?

Completed applications are sent to FACTS for need analysis.  Students are then ranked by financial need according to the published Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Low-Income Guidelines for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Students are then prioritized according to FACE granting guidelines and available resources.  Review the FACE HUD Income Guidelines here.

When do I receive a grant?

FACE makes payments in the Fall and Spring semesters directly through the schools.  Adjustments to individual student account tuition balances are then made accordingly. No checks are sent to families or students directly.

How much is a FACE grant?

For the 2021-2022 academic year, a grant for an elementary school student covers $2,500 of tuition costs, and a high school education grant covers $3,500 of tuition costs.  For those receiving aid from other sources like the BASIC Fund, aid packages will be adjusted accordingly.

I don’t know if a FACE grant will cover the assistance I need.  Are there other forms of support?

Check with individual schools for parish-based or school-based tuition assistance resources.

Should I send the information to FACTS directly to ensure it arrives on time?

It is better to work with the schools to confirm your application is sent by the determined deadline.  Keep a record of your documentation and when you send your information in, particularly if additional information is requested by FACTS as a follow-up to your initial application.

Will exceptions be made for circumstances beyond your control that prevented the meeting of deadlines?

Out of fairness to all applicants who successfully submit on-time requests for grants, exceptions for deadlines are made only for families where verified technical or administrative errors resulted in improperly processing their application by the school, FACTS service, or FACE.  No exceptions to grant priority guidelines will be made.

How will I be notified following my application?

FACE award notifications will be sent electronically to each family who applied to report the awards/declines with amounts for each student in May.

Can I receive funding from other sources in combination with a FACE grant?

For elementary school grants, it is intended that a student only receives a grant from either FACE or the Basic Fund, not both.  The local elementary school may augment the FACE award if they have the resources to do so.

In the case of high school grantees, additional funds may be awarded. The amount of additional funding is determined by the high school. Families are encouraged to consult directly with the high school financial aid administrator to confirm the total award amount.

The FACE Application period for the 2022-2023 School Year will be open between January 1, 2022, through April 30, 2022.

If you are interested in applying for a grant, click here.

The FACE Application period for the 2021-2022 School Year is open between January 1, 2021, through April 30th, 2021. The application is now closed.

Please review the HUD Low-Income Guidelines here.

The FACE Application is now closed. Please refer back here for the 2022-23 School year dates soon.