Jeanne Schaaf, Director of Institutional Stewardship & Engagement
As Catholics, we feel God’s love in our lives. Most of us have experienced that love through the parishes and schools that have welcomed us and helped us grow in faith. These communities bring us closer to God and to one another. Yet you may have walked into a parish or school that holds a special place in your heart and wondered … “will this still be here for my grandchildren or great-grandchildren?” Maybe your heart has felt moved to help make that legacy last.
Many of our beloved parishes and schools have found a meaningful way to carry their mission forward: perpetual endowment funds. An endowment creates a lasting gift that supports a parish or school ministry year after year, forever.
Endowments Answer Prayers
Endowment funds are designed to provide steady, ongoing financial support. CCF stewards endowment funds that have been established by individuals and endowment funds that have been established by an organization, such as a parish or school. When you give to an endowment, your gift is carefully invested to grow over time and returns an annual grant to support the organization’s needs. It is a beautiful expression of stewardship, and a powerful way to extend your generosity beyond your lifetime. Gifts to endowments reflect how you live: with kindness, compassion, and faith. They help sustain the charitable work you care about today and long after you’re gone, keeping their mission alive and the light of the Church burning bright.
St. Augustine said, “Singing is praying twice.” In the same way, giving to an endowment gives more than twice. It’s a gift that keeps giving, offering steady support for generations. You can give today, make a planned gift for tomorrow, or include an endowment in your estate plans— knowing your generosity will never stop bearing fruit.
A Gift That Reflects Your Faith — Forever
A gift to an endowment is a lasting and meaningful reflection of your faith. It’s a legacy gift, offering you the chance to honor those who came before you and support those who will come after you. Your gift can also bring peace of mind, knowing it will remain intact and stay true to your values. Finally, this ongoing support becomes a lasting source of strength for your parish or school, helping the Church continue her mission and grow for the future.
Many parishes and schools choose to partner with the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota (CCF) to steward their endowment funds. CCF ensures these funds are managed with care and transparency, and in alignment with our Catholic faith. Because endowment funds are permanent, you can be assured they will always be there when the time is right for you to make a gift.
Whether you give to an existing parish or school endowment, through a gift today, or through an estate plan, you live out your calling as a faithful steward of God’s blessings. Your generosity creates a legacy of faith that helps the Church remain vibrant and strong and ensures your generosity shines for generations to come.
The information provided above by the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota (CCF) is general and educational in nature. CCF and its staff do not provide individualized legal or tax advice. We recommend you consult with your attorney or tax professional regarding your unique personal situation.