Thomas Aquinas College Receives $7M Grant

The Fritz B. Burns Foundation provides funding for operations, student housing, and a new chaplain's residence.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 5:28am

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The Fritz B. Burns Foundation of Los Angeles has awarded Thomas Aquinas College, a private Catholic liberal arts college in Santa Paula, California, a $7 million grant. The grant will provide $4 million in unrestricted funds for operations and student financial aid, $2 million for a new chaplains' residence and retreat house, and $1 million for renovations to student residence halls.

Why it matters

The grant from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation, a long-time supporter of Thomas Aquinas College, will help the institution address both its immediate needs and long-term goals. The funding for operations, student housing, and a new chaplain's residence demonstrates the foundation's commitment to the college's mission of Catholic liberal education.

The details

The $7 million grant from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation will be used in three parts: $4 million in unrestricted funds for operations and student financial aid, $2 million as seed money for a new chaplains' residence and retreat house on the California campus, and $1 million for extensive renovations to the college's student residence halls. The renovations will include updating the en suite bathrooms and replacing outdated air-conditioning units in the oldest dorms.

  • The grant was announced on February 23, 2026.
  • Renovations to the student residence halls will take place during the summer when students are on vacation.
  • Construction of the new chaplains' residence and retreat house will begin once plans and permitting requirements are completed.

The players

Thomas Aquinas College

A private Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1971 and located in Santa Paula, California.

Fritz B. Burns Foundation

A Los Angeles-based philanthropic organization that has provided financial support to Thomas Aquinas College since its founding.

Paul J. O'Reilly

The president of Thomas Aquinas College.

John J. Goyette

The vice president for advancement at Thomas Aquinas College.

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What they’re saying

“It is rare to find a philanthropic partner that so deeply understands both the immediate needs and the long-term vision of an institution.”

— Paul J. O'Reilly, President, Thomas Aquinas College (pacbiztimes.com)

“The Foundation understood our needs and made sure that we could develop a plan to meet all short-term obligations while also ensuring long-term sustainability.”

— Paul J. O'Reilly, President, Thomas Aquinas College (pacbiztimes.com)

“Its $1 million contribution to renovate the en suite bathrooms in our oldest residence halls and replace outdated air-conditioning units will significantly enhance the daily lives of our students and the comfort of our summer conference guests.”

— John J. Goyette, Vice President for Advancement, Thomas Aquinas College (pacbiztimes.com)

What’s next

Construction of the new chaplains' residence and retreat house will begin upon the completion of plans and permitting requirements.

The takeaway

The $7 million grant from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation demonstrates the long-standing partnership and shared commitment between the foundation and Thomas Aquinas College to support the college's mission of providing a high-quality Catholic liberal arts education.