Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund
A philanthropic response to community crises
The Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund (MCRF) is designed to provide coordinated charitable support to Catholic parishes and schools as they provide care to their communities.
JANUARY 2026
In close partnership with Archbishop Hebda, CCF has reactivated the MCRF. In recent weeks, Catholic parishes and schools have stepped forward to respond to increased needs within their communities. Many are providing basic charitable assistance, pastoral presence, and short-term emergency support to individuals and families they serve.
Parishes and schools are often on the front lines in moments like these. While they continue their broader mission and ministry, these essential efforts can place added financial and organizational strain on Catholic parishes and schools that already work with limited resources.
By contributing to the MCRF, donors stand alongside parishes and schools as they accompany individuals and families navigating uncertainty and need. Gifts to the MCRF reflect a shared commitment to being present to others in meaningful ways at a moment when it can make a real difference.
GIVE NOW
Click here to make an online gift to the fund.
To make a grant from your CCF donor advised fund to the MCRF, log in and search for the grantee “Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund.”
In Partnership With
Archbishop Bernard Hebda
“I urge you to continue tithing regularly to your parishes. Then, if you are able, please consider making a contribution to the Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund.
The MCRF provides a beautiful opportunity for us all to be like the Good Samaritan, tending to our neighbors most in need. Through the MCRF, we can steward our charitable resources prudently, collaboratively, and efficiently, helping our parishes, schools, and communities endure this time of crisis.”
Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda
Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Make a Gift
Join Us
Send a Check
Write a check and send it to the address at the link below. Write “MCRF” in the memo.
Give Online
Give online with a credit card or account transfer.
Stock
Transfer publicly traded stock or mutual funds.
Donor Advised Fund
Advise a grant from your CCF donor advised fund to the MCRF.
QCDs
Donate by making a Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) from your IRA.
Other
We accept many other types of assets, too, like real estate or personal items.
Advisory Committee
The MCRF Advisory Committee oversees grant distributions. It includes religious and lay leaders within our Minnesota Catholic community who collectively have material insight into the challenges our parishes and schools are facing.
Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota
Frank Forsberg
Board Member, Chair of Grants Committee
Meg Payne Nelson
Vice President of Impact
Jeanne Schaaf
Director of Institutional Stewardship & Engagement
Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis
Most Reverend Kevin Kenney
Auxiliary Bishop
Beatriz Lopez
Formation Coordinator
Office of Latino Ministry
Estela Villagrán Manancero
Director
Office of Latino Ministry
Catholic Parish Representatives
Father James Adams
Pastor
Church of St. Francis de Sales, St. Paul
Father James Bernard
Pastor
Our Lady of Gaudalupe Church, St. Paul
Maria de la Luz Hernandez
Director of Faith Formation
St. Stephen – Holy Rosary Church, Minneapolis
Reverend Dale Korogi
Pastor
Church of the Ascension, Minneapolis
Deacon Luis Ruibi
Business Administor / Director of Parish Operations
Church of St. Francis de Sales / Our Lady of Gaudalupe Church, St. Paul
Father James Stiles
Pastor
St. Stephen – Holy Rosary Church, Minneapolis
Catholic School Representatives
Jason Finne
Principal
St. Raphael Catholic School, Crystal
Bridget Kramer
Principal
Community of Saints Regional Catholic School, West St. Paul
Jason Morrison
President
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Minneapolis
Mike Rogers
President
Risen Christ Catholic School, Minneapolis
Catholic School Funders
Ricky Austin
President
Aim Higher Foundation
Kevin Bennett
Program Director
GHR Foundation
Mike O’Keefe
Director of Scholarship Programs
Aim Higher Foundation
Committee members will recuse themselves from grant deliberations involving their own institutions
FAQs
Why was the Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund (MCRF) created?
Our parishes and schools make up the vital fabric of our Minnesota Catholic community. In 2020, they faced unprecedented challenges both financially and operationally. And, many of our parishes helped the individuals and families in their communities to meet their basic needs: housing, food, transportation, and medical costs.
In 2026, many of our Catholic parishes and schools found themselves again stepping forward to respond to increased needs within their communities. While they continue their broader mission and ministry, these essential efforts can place added financial and organizational strain on Catholic parishes and schools that already work with limited resources.
CCF serves at the intersection of philanthropy and need. Since its founding, CCF has worked closely with Catholic individuals and institutions to financially support the spiritual, educational, and social needs of our Catholic community.
Why is the MCRF held at CCF?
CCF is a veritable leader in Catholic philanthropy and an insightful community partner with proven financial expertise and a mature oversight structure. CCF was founded in 1992 to support financially the spiritual, educational, and social needs of our Catholic community. As a perpetual steward of charitable assets, CCF is not just prepared for challenging times like these, it was designed for them.
Where does the money go?
CCF works closely with diocesan, parish, and school leadership, as well as other Catholic funders, to provide an agile response that enables effective impact as needs evolve.
Who decides where the money went?
Funding decisions are made by an advisory committee.
How does CCF benefit from the MCRF?
We don’t. CCF waives all fees for the MCRF and provides all fundraising support free of charge. CCF’s mission is to support financially the spiritual, educational, and social needs of our Catholic community. Through this fund, we simply fulfill our role as an important community partner.
How has the fund been used previously?
The fund was first established and used to support our parishes and schools during the COVID-19 crisis. Our parish and school staff worked to creatively adapt ministries and thoughtfully develop safety protocols. Grantmaking from the MCRF contributed to operational stability for Catholic parishes and schools during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
The fund also provided an opportunity to support our neighbors in need following turmoil and unrest in our community initiated by the unjust death of George Floyd. Many people experienced displacement and distress, having lost their homes and sense of security. And, many lost access to pharmacies and grocery stores with few alternatives. Grantmaking from this fund went to parishes and nonprofits providing direct support to those in need.
Have Questions?
Get In Touch
Christopher D. Nelson, J.D.
President
651-389-0874
Email Christopher
Meg Payne Nelson
Vice President of Impact
651-389-0882
Email Meg