A simple act of generosity can create lasting change, impacting lives, strengthening faith, and shaping the future of our Catholic community. This vision of faithful giving has guided the CCF Legacy Fund for more than a decade, and enabled it to support important needs within our Catholic community. That same vision continues today under a new name that more clearly reflects how the fund helps us, as members of God’s Church, live out our mission: the Salt & Light Fund.
What is the Salt & Light Fund?
The Salt & Light Fund, formerly the Legacy Fund, is CCF’s flagship unrestricted fund. Contributors to this fund collaboratively support urgent and unmet needs in our community. The name comes from Scripture, when Jesus tells his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world … Your light must shine before others” (Matthew 5:13–14, 16). Grantmaking from the Salt & Light Fund strives to preserve the good work of critical charities in our community and address emergent needs as they become illuminated — today and tomorrow.
How the Salt & Light Fund Works
The Salt & Light Fund is a CCF-directed fund overseen by the CCF Board of Directors. Donors make gifts to the fund, and CCF directs grants from it to the places that will best meet the needs of the time. When someone gives to this fund, they trust CCF to carefully steward their gift wisely, meeting the needs of today and those we cannot yet foresee.
That flexibility is essential. It allows CCF to respond quickly and thoughtfully to evolving needs at parishes, schools, and charities.
From Legacy to Light
From the beginning, each gift to the Salt & Light Fund has been an investment in our shared mission to serve and strengthen our local Church. Established in 2011, the fund strengthens the work of CCF, supports vulnerable populations, and addresses emerging needs in our community.
The fund grows through individual donor gifts and estate gifts — and through investing. In 2014, the CCF board reaffirmed its commitment to Catholic schools by supporting key areas like development, enrollment, technology, and small facility upgrades. A grants subcommittee also conducted a community assessment to identify additional priorities.
By 2020, the subcommittee’s work to identify needs and guide funding came into focus around three key areas:
- School Capacity Building — helping Catholic schools grow and thrive
- Parish Vitality Initiatives — reviving parish life and engagement
- Parish Outreach Initiatives — supporting ministries that serve the vulnerable
These pillars continue to shape the fund’s impact and guide future grantmaking.
Carrying the Light Forward
With guidance from an advisory committee on parish vitality, the Salt & Light Fund continues to make meaningful impact in our community. But the need is great. Only about half of qualified applicants receive grants each year, and with increased support, the Salt & Light Fund could expand its reach and light the way for even more lives across our community.
CCF Vice President of Impact Meg Payne Nelson explains, “Grants from the Salt & Light Fund strengthen our Catholic elementary schools in meaningful ways, help our parishes thrive and become more effective, and allow parish communities to better serve the vulnerable.”
These grants, no matter the size, can make a big difference. Even a modest amount can be the spark that a school, parish, or charity needs to grow and thrive in its mission.
A Call to Shine
Saint John Paul II once said, “Even a tiny flame lifts the heavy lid of night. How much more light will you make, all together, if you bond as one in the communion of the Church!” The Salt & Light Fund is one way we can do that: bring our many small lights to become one great beacon of faith and hope.
The Salt & Light Fund is an invitation to live out Christ’s call — shine your light, reflect God’s love, and share your blessings. Together, we can build and sustain a vibrant Catholic community, now and for generations to come.
The Salt & Light Fund makes a difference — right now — in our community.
View grant stories from the Salt & Light Fund here.