"For the amelioration of human poverty, sickness and distress, for the advancement of education, science and learning, for the promotion of the public welfare and for the advancement of religion and the realization of Christ's Kingdom
on earth,
all for the greater glory of God."

The Vatterott Foundation is a small private foundation founded in 1948 by Charles F. Vatterott, Jr. and Joseph H. Vatterott, (sons of Charles F. Vatterott) in St. Ann, St. Louis County, Missouri.  According to the written trust indenture signed on that date, the purpose of the Foundation is:

Charles F. Vatterott, Jr.

Joseph H. Vatterott

"For the amelioration of human poverty, sickness and distress, for the advancement of education, science and learning, for the promotion of the public welfare and for the advancement of religion and the realization of Christ's Kingdom on earth, all for the greater glory of God."

Each put $1,000 in the Foundation corpus and regularly contributed to build the fund.  Various companies owned by them were expected to contribute 5% of annual net profits to the Foundation, and Joe and Charlie themselves made significant contributions.

Foundation records indicate the the first recipient of a grant from the Foundation was the Catholic Interracial Council on October 27, 1948. That donation was prophetic, for in the 50+ year history of the Foundation, there has been no greater area of concern to the Trustees than racial justice.  For many years the Foundation supported the Holy Angels School in Kinloch by contributing monthly to pay for the salary of the school principal.  In that way, the Foundation has helped to maintain a Catholic presence in one of the most needy areas of St. Louis County.

In addition to its interest in racial justice, the Foundation has long been interested in Catholic education, which was a favorite cause of the late Joseph H. Vatterott.  Many grammar schools, high schools and universities, such as St. Louis University and Fontbonne College, have been assisted.  Similarly many religious orders have received funds for projects and education in keeping with the Foundation's goals. Since 1973 the Foundation has been active in support of Birthright, Our Lady's Inn, Lutheran Family and Children's Services, and other pro-life support groups. 

The Vatterott Foundation's primary focus has always been on the needs of religious and service organizations in the St. Louis area.  Catholic organizations dominate the list of recipients but many secular organizations, such as the Easter Seal Society, Missouri Baptist Children's' Home in Bridgeton, Mathews Dickey Boys Club, and many not-for-profit housing groups have long relationships with the Foundation.

In 2000 the Vatterott Foundation extended it's tradition of giving by forming the Vatterott Foundation Youth Board (also known as the "VFYB"). The youth board is comprised of Vatterott decendents aged 16 to 30 who are interested in giving back to their community in the spirit of their ancestors. You may visit the VFYB Web site here.