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What is The Catholic Foundation and why does it exist?
The Catholic Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization,
founded in 1985 by Bishop James A. Griffin. The Foundation exists to
assist individuals who wish to provide lasting financial support to
religious, educational and charitable organizations that serve the people
of the Diocese of Columbus, and Catholic causes outside the diocese. |
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How does The Catholic Foundation serve the Diocese of Columbus?
The Foundation makes distributions and grants from
restricted funds as designated by donors. The vast majority of these
gifts go to work right here in our central Ohio community. |
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Who governs The Catholic Foundation?
The Board of Trustees of The Catholic Foundation
governs all operations and actions by the Foundation. The board meets
quarterly. Its committees are working committees that meet on a regular
basis to conduct the business of The Foundation. Our Trustees consist of
Catholics from all walks of life and reflect the diverse experience of
our Diocese. |
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What are the benefits of working with The Catholic Foundation?
There are many benefits from your association with The Catholic Foundation,
including the convenience of handling your charitable giving to numerous
charities from one source, expert assistance and advice, tax advantages,
a possible increase in income from your assets for you or your family, and
possible wealth replacement to your heirs for charitable gifts in trust.
In short, The Catholic Foundation is an ideal place to help you earn more,
keep more of what you've worked hard to earn, and I to those in
need than you ever thought possible. |
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Why should I consider an endowment rather than an outright gift?
Many people believe that endowments are only for very wealthy people and
big institutions like universities. In fact, an endowment is for anyone
who wishes their favorite charities to benefit forever. With an endowment
your gift stays permanently invested, while an annual distribution or grant
from its income is made to support the charities you designate forever. |
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How do I make a gift to The Catholic Foundation?
You can make a gift to the Foundation at any time. Gifts of cash and
appreciated assets are often made. You can also choose to work with our
professional staff in designing a gift which will suit your personal
needs and charitable goals. |
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Is there a minimum dollar amount I need to have to work with
the Foundation?
No. Most endowments are opened with $5,000 or more, but The Catholic
Foundation is here to be of assistance to anyone who needs help in fulfilling
their charitable intentions, regardless of the size. |
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Can I pick who I want to benefit from my gift?
Absolutely. The distributions of funds are always exclusively and only as
directed by the donors. Some people choose to not to make a designation,
in which case their gift benefits the Church and Community Fund, providing
resources for particular parishes, projects and causes that would otherwise
not receive funding. |
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Can the Diocese ever claim funds from the endowment, in all or
in part?
No. As a legally established investment contract, the endowment can never be
closed or used in any way other than specified when the endowment was
established. The funds are not diocesan funds and are not considered in any
way property of the Diocese. |
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Do I have to be Catholic to have a relationship with The
Catholic Foundation?
No. The Catholic Foundation welcomes participation from anybody who has an
interest in helping support the work of the Church and wants assistance in
fulfilling their charitable intentions. |
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Can I include other organizations besides The Catholic Foundation in
my arrangements?
Yes. Benefactors have the option of designating multiple charitable
beneficiaries. It's one of the many ways The Catholic Foundation can help make
your generosity toward others more pleasant and convenient, leaving you more
time to enjoy the act of giving. |
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Do I need my own lawyer or financial professional?
It's important that donors feel completely comfortable in their relationship
with The Catholic Foundation. Thus, many of our benefactors get considerable
peace of mind in using their own lawyer, CPA, Certified Financial Planner or
life insurance professional to review arrangements and, in some cases, prepare
the appropriate documentation. Of course, the Foundation also works with top
professionals in the legal, accounting and financial planning fields to
completely meet the charitable needs of our benefactors. |
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Can I use The Catholic Foundation to recommend gifts to benefit
non-Catholic organizations or entities outside the Columbus Diocese?
Yes, providing that at least a portion of the gift benefits a Catholic
organization. It is also important to remember that The Catholic Foundation
may not be associated with any organization whose practices are in conflict
with tenets of the Catholic faith or the mission of The Catholic Foundation.
If you have a specific question regarding the feasibility of a proposed gift,
please contact us. |
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Can the recipient ever close the endowment and use the entire funds
for current need?
No. As a legally established investment contract, the endowment can never be
closed and used in a way not set out in its establishment contract. |
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Who keeps track of the investments and donations?
The Catholic Foundation administrators, the trust company with whom The
Foundation works, and an independent accounting firm each track contributions
and investments. The investment committee of The Catholic Foundation also
monitors all investments and donations. |
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Are funds invested in a manner in keeping with the tenants of the
Roman Catholic Church?
Yes. The Foundation strictly adheres to the policies set forth by the U.S.
Catholic Conference of Bishops so that all investments are made in a
socially responsible way in keeping with teachings of the Roman
Catholic Church. |
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How do I get on the mailing list for the quarterly
"Blessings" newsletter?
It's easy! Simply click on this Newsletter Subscriptions
link and provide us with your name and mailing address. |
"We know we've been blessed. We both had good Catholic educations and are glad we could give our children this advantage. We look forward to our grandchildren enjoying the same. The religious orders of sisters worked so many years to make our schools what they are today. The sisters gave us so much we could never possibly repay them for all that they did for us, and for the Church. We just want to help them and others."