Creating a Faithful Legacy

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LIGHT OF CHRIST LEGACY SOCIETY

WELCOMING FOUNDING MEMBERS

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Because We Believe

At the Catholic Foundation, we believe in the power of the Catholic community to impact the world around us for good. We work to manifest God’s love by promoting human dignity and sharing Christ’s love. Our passion is rooted in the people of our communities, and through our aligned passions and authentic calling to live lives of love, mercy, and generosity, we are truly making a difference in West Michigan.

Donors work with the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan to amplify their giving impact and help build up God’s kingdom on earth.

  • Aligned Values – They know that strategic, values-aligned giving through the Foundation best supports the long-term needs of our Church and its ministries.
  • Connections – They understand that giving through the Foundation provides more opportunities to connect them to the Works of Mercy being performed by our many Catholic nonprofits.
  • Community – They want parishes, schools, and ministries to thrive without competing against each other.

We invite you to join us, give wholeheartedly, and build a lasting and profound legacy of generosity for today, tomorrow, and forever.

About the Foundation

The Foundation is the heart of Catholic generosity in West Michigan. Watch this video to learn more about who we are, what we do, and how to be involved.

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Our Impact

By joining together and unifying as a Catholic community, the Foundation is able to make grants which positively impact our West Michigan community and beyond.

Assets under management
$ 0 Million
2023 Grants
$ 0 Million
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A Simple, Four-Step Process

Give

You give through the Catholic Foundation to your favorite Catholic charities.

Grow

Here, your money works harder – and smarter – for the causes you care most about.

Grant

The Foundation helps you create a personal giving plan.

Transform

Then, as funds accrue, your generosity is joined with other donors to more collaboratively build God’s kingdom.

We can help you define your giving strategy.

Contact us today

Impact Stories

Love & Charity Grants 2024

The Catholic Foundation presented $92,510 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations. These grants will train leaders in our parishes, enable new educational opportunities, promote worship and community, and supply everyday essentials for those in need.

Grateful in Greenville

Ken Lehman and his wife Gail have built a legacy through their endowment fund, creating a sense of gratitude within the St. Charles school community that will last for years to come.

A New Phase

The Stranz’s opened a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to better support the work of the Church in our community. They entrust the Catholic Foundation to identify the right charitable vehicle to accomplish their goals and help them vet different organizations, so they can feel confident that they are supporting ministries with missions that are important to them.

Read More Stories
“What a great message…thank you for making this happen for our students. It was impactful for many of them, and I am sure that they will be thinking about little things that he said for many years to come.”
Lisa NawrockiTeacher, commenting on the Jason Evert Chastity Project presentation to West Catholic Students
“None of my family has gone to college except my older cousin. There are so many families that struggle. Those donations really help so many students to further their education, get the opportunities West Catholic offers them, and reach further heights.”
Leo VazquezWest Catholic Class of 2022
"Coming to God's Kitchen was a light, in a dark area for me. The quality of food was great and it gave me a sense of home, instead of homelessness. It gives you added value of 'you're in this situation, but don't give up!' I can't imagine going through it, without a place like this"
CindyGod's Kitchen
“We lived down the street when I found out I was pregnant. We didn’t have the income to take care of a baby. My mom and I came to HELP to see if they did abortions. We talked to a staff person. She said we don’t do that here, and then she told us to look at the bright side. She said a baby is considered a blessing no matter what. We thought about that so much. We came back a few days later for an ultrasound and to hear the heartbeat. The first time I saw the ultrasound I fell in love with her. She is a blessing. I couldn’t imagine my life without this baby.”
Tonisha
“My husband and I want to thank you so much for sharing Mass every Sunday. We never miss it. My husband and I can’t get into our Church anymore. We look forward to every Sunday with you and all the priests.
You are in our prayers.”
Ward and Sally
“The grant for new lighting in the parish’s narthex has brightened more than the physical space.
Our interactions there seem livelier as a result, as well.”
Fr. Mark Peacock, pastor, Holy Spirit Parish
"I want to personally thank you for your continued support of myself and my brothers as we discern the Lord’s will in our lives. It means a lot to me as I prepare to continue my studies at Mundelein to know that there are so many people back home praying and supporting me. I look forward to the day I can serve you all as a priest for our Lord back home."
Seminarian Logan McGahan
“By equipping lay leaders and helping them understand this is grounded in their baptismal call to serve, we’re hoping that new ministries that address unmet needs in their wider community can be a support to pastors and parish staff.”
Mark MannDirector of Programming and Institutes, Catholic Information Center
“I definitely hope that it will spread to other kids to have that relationship with Jesus, to have their faith be a living faith, and to live authentically and not to believe the lies of the culture. I don’t want them to doubt themselves or think that their worth is only because they have a boyfriend or because they have so many likes on social media or because their body looks a certain way.”
Julie FoleyBlaze Coordinator
“It’s been very important for me to have the support of the Catholic Foundation. Prior to this grant, the four parishes and their parishioners stepped up and literally provided everything we have so far. I think it helps the parishioners feel they’re supported at a larger level and take this big project on. I’m really thankful that the foundation wanted to support a school up here.”
Dr. Shari McCartyPrincipal and Director, Bishop Baraga Academy
“You really do need Mass. You need to be strengthened by the sacraments when you celebrate your faith with a community of believers.”
Annalise LaumeyerDirector of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids
“I’m so extremely grateful that the Lord answered our prayers with this grant, and to be able to continue to grow and enrich people in their faith. The impact of this grant will greatly grow the Kingdom of God.”
Holly ChampouxCoordinator of Children’s Ministry, Prince of Peace Parish
“We want to move that mark on safety in the community, empowering parents to know how to safely care for their children.”
Karol MaurerDirector of Development and Community Outreach, Catholic Charities West Michigan
“We’ve got people who are fighting cancer and they are fighting for their life. We become part of their support system. To feel so cared for by the community is huge.”
Amy Thomas-MellemaExecutive Director, Revive & Thrive Project
“For a long time Catholic schools were not a place for kids with diverse learning needs, but that’s a goal, a place for all Catholic families to be together. It’s a place for kids who feel like they don’t have a place in the regular classroom to still learn our faith and be immersed in the faith during their school day.”
Holly LakePrincipal, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School
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360 Division Avenue S.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501

Phone: 616-333-1640
Fax: 616-551-5634
Email: info@cfwmi.org

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