Dear Friends,
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
— St. Catherine of Siena
As we begin this new year, St. Catherine’s words offer a source of wisdom. In moments of transition and change, clarity about who we are and why we exist is essential. That is as true for institutions as it is for individuals. I have been privileged over the last eight years to serve an organization that is so strongly rooted in its purpose. CCF’s mission has not changed since our founders first established it. It remains the same 33 years later: to support financially the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the Catholic community.
I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me as I step into the role of President of the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota. It is an honor to build upon what has been faithfully established over decades by strong leadership, dedicated board members, generous donors, collaborative partners, and a talented, mission-driven team.
I want to especially acknowledge Anne’s leadership and mentorship. Her vision, courage, wisdom, and love for this mission have shaped CCF in lasting ways. I am grateful for her ongoing support and counsel during this transition, helping ensure continuity as we move forward.
We are living in a moment of profound change. An unprecedented transfer of wealth and responsibility is underway. Patterns of religious affiliation and charitable giving continue to shift, and rapid technological and cultural transformation is reshaping how people experience faith, community, philanthropy, and belonging. At the same time, the needs around us remain pressing. Inequities and disparities continue to affect families and communities. So often, Catholic donors and Catholic ministries are among the first to respond.
This is where CCF’s calling matters. We exist to help Catholics live out their faith through generous, joyful stewardship, and to strengthen the Catholic missions and ministries that form the backbone of Catholic life. When Catholics respond to their call as joyful stewards, the impact reaches far beyond our own institutions, creating a ripple effect that supports the common good and lifts entire communities.
Additionally, the philanthropic and financial expertise CCF provides to Catholic institutions — stewarding endowments, managing funds, and administering complex gifts — ensures the leaders of our parishes, schools, and other Catholic organizations can remain focused on ministry, education, and service.
St. Catherine’s words remain a helpful guide: be who God meant you to be. For CCF, that means remaining unmistakably Catholic in our identity, committed to stewardship, faithful to donor intent, and deeply collaborative with the institutions and communities we serve. It also means being attentive to where the needs are greatest, and helping donors bring generosity and purpose to meet those needs with both compassion and prudence.
In the months ahead, my focus will be on listening — meeting with donors, community leaders, ministry partners, board members, and staff. I want to better understand where you see opportunity, where you feel urgency, and how CCF can serve our community with even greater clarity and effectiveness.
Thank you for walking with us in this mission. I’m grateful for your partnership and excited to continue building together, as we strive to be who God calls us to be.
With hope and gratitude,
Christopher D. Nelson
President