The Legacy Fund

THE LEGACY FUND
BUILDING ON OUR SHARED CATHOLIC VALUES FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

“The Catholic Community Foundation has always embodied the best practices of Catholic philanthropy. As the Foundation prepares to advance to the next stage, we are confident that those closest to it will continue this tradition by investing in The Legacy Fund. By doing so, together we can ensure that the Catholic Community Foundation will remain a strong philanthropic force for future generations of Catholics.”

Tom Gainor and Larry McGough, Co-Chairs, The Legacy Fund


A LEGACY OF IMPACT
The Catholic Community Foundation has a significant impact on meeting the spiritual, educational and social needs of our Catholic community. In our twenty-year history, $95 million has been granted to Catholic parishes, schools, and other institutions, as well as secular nonprofits serving those most in need.

The collective generosity of our donors, combined with our socially and morally responsible investment practices, provides food for the poor, makes Catholic education affordable, supports vocations, respects the sanctity of life, and aids elderly in need. This work is critical, and ensures that our shared Catholic values will remain strong for future generations.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
As we continue to grow in service to the Catholic community, we are establishing The Legacy Fund to help us achieve three important goals:

  1. To respond even more generously to the pressing and often unpredictable needs of our Catholic community.
  2. To offer an even more affordable cost structure for the parishes, schools and institutions for which we manage funds.
  3. To ensure the Foundation’s strength and viability.

Within five years, our goal is to build The Legacy Fund to $20 million. When this goal is met, the Foundation will receive an annual distribution of $800,000 to $1 million to support the timely needs of our Catholic community and further the Foundation’s mission.

GREAT NEEDS REQUIRE GREAT RESOURCES
The current unstable economic environment has led to diminished resources for our most vulnerable neighbors. The Catholic Community Foundation responds to Christ’s call of serving the least of our brethren by funding small, local nonprofits serving the elderly, single mothers, and children at risk. Our current grants are limited to $5,000 or less, and each year the requests far exceed available resources. The Legacy Fund will dramatically increase the available funds and help expand our response to those who are in the most desperate need.

RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP
The Catholic Community Foundation maintains the highest professional competence in the field of charitable planned giving and investment management. We emphasize:

  • Managing donor funds in a morally responsible way, with state-of-the-art financial tools;
  • Providing personal service to donors in achieving their philanthropic goals;
  • Monitoring the evolving needs of the Catholic community.

To maintain this high level of expertise and service, the Foundation strives to be self-sustaining. Currently, approximately 90 percent of the Foundation’s operating budget is generated from fees on institutional and individual funds. The Legacy Fund will ensure our ability to independently fund our operations, and offer even more affordable fees to individual and institutional donors.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
One of our most generous donors has put forth a challenge of $5 million to be matched by others. We believe this magnanimous gift will be more than matched by supporters, allowing us to reach our $20 million goal. Please join others in making a meaningful commitment to the future of the Catholic Community Foundation with a gift of cash or appreciated assets, or consider making a five-year pledge. Other options include estate gifts in the form of a bequest in your will, designation of a life insurance policy, or a gift of real estate or other property.

To express your interest in supporting The Legacy Fund, please email us.