COMMUNITY IMPACT

By joining together and unifying as a Catholic community, the Foundation is able to make grants which positively impact children, young adults, the poor and vulnerable, future Catholic leaders, our natural environment, and the community at large.

Through smart investment strategies aimed at competitive returns, the Catholic Foundation grows funds from our generous Catholic community to have an even greater impact in West Michigan and beyond.

"We believe the true value of Catholic education lies in the formation of the whole child. This generous grant allows Bishop Baraga Academy to prepare space for that formation to take place — opening doors for more children to encounter Christ through education."
Dr. Shari McCartyExecutive Director/Principal
“Partnering with the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan allowed me to thoughtfully and creatively design an endowed fund that will continue advocating for inclusive Catholic education. Knowing this mission will strengthen the Church for generations brings me deep peace and confidence.”
Don Karpinski
"The last retreat was an amazing experience that helped me grow in my relationship with God. Being surrounded by other students who share the same faith made me feel supported, and it encouraged me to start attending youth group more regularly."
Devota SabatoCathedral of Saint Andrew Youth Summer Camp Retreat
"Catholic education shaped our lives in lasting ways, and we want that opportunity to remain available for generations to come… Supporting the Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education is our way of helping to ensure that families seeking a Catholic education will continue to find open doors."
Mark & Valerie Henderson
“This grant allows us to purchase a van dedicated to transporting children to parenting time visits, sibling visits, and medical appointments. By ensuring kids in foster care can attend visits consistently, it supports connection, stability, and the critical goal of reunification."
Shelby MyersCatholic Charities West Michigan
“Supporting the Foundation isn’t just for today — you can make a lasting impact by becoming a Light of Christ Legacy Society member… It’s an easy way to experience the joy of giving now, without any immediate cost!"
Helen & Jay Smith
"In our small engines lab, students build patience, trust, and confidence — habits that carry with them into every trade and every part of their lives. We are deeply grateful for this support of hands-on formation of young men through the Gospel of Work."
Andy BeachHarmel Academy of the Trades
"We believe deeply in the mission of Catholic education and in the role St. Mary School, Big Rapids plays in forming young hearts and minds. This agency fund allows us to respond to current needs with intention, trusting the Catholic Foundation to steward our gift so it can be used where and when it is most needed."
Dr. Ralph & Kay Crew
"One of my children who had been unsure if God was even real shared that through the NET team, she felt like God was finally speaking directly to her. That experience changed her heart and helped her begin a real relationship with Him."
ParentNewaygo County Catholic Youth Ministry
"Our parents taught us that faith is lived through service to others, especially those most in need. Establishing an endowment for God’s Kitchen in their honor allows us to carry forward the values they modeled and ensure this vital ministry continues serving our community."
Wayne & Margo Gagnon
"Prince of Peace has helped us bring the children to Jesus by their hard work of offering an adult formation course in a beautiful setting with atria of all levels. I went back to my parish filled with hope and joy at seeing how we will build our Level III atrium."
Level III ParticipantCatechesis of the Good Shepherd
"If we’re already giving, why not do it in the smartest way possible? Donor advised funds aren’t just for the ultrawealthy. It’s an accessible way for everyday Catholics to be intentional about their giving, and it gives our kids the option to carry it forward if they choose."
Chris and Kim Cruickshank
"Over my four years at GVSU, I have gone through OCIA, joined the Catholic Church, and am now on track to serve as a Catholic missionary post-graduation — and the retreats offered by St. Luke's have been critical moments in my conversion."
Julia HydeLaker Catholic Campus Ministry
"We are grateful for this grant so that we can continue to supply fresh, locally grown produce to our community. This year we are hopeful to grow less common varieties in order to provide vegetables used in different cultural cuisines."
Casey KellerSt. Mary Magdalen Parish, Kentwood

Impact Stories

A Shared Commitment to Catholic Education

April 17, 2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow in faith, discover their God-given gifts, and be formed within a Catholic community that nurtures both learning and discipleship. For many families, Catholic education is not simply a preference; it is a calling rooted in faith and hope for their children’s future.

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Newsletters

The Generous Hearts newsletters share updates from the Executive Director, feature donor impact, and inspire giving in our Catholic community.

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Annual Reports

Our annual reports showcase how donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries are helping the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan carry out the work of the Church.

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Funding Priorities

The Catholic Foundation has five primary giving priorities, aligned with our Catholic faith, teachings, and donor giving priorities.

Sharing Our Catholic Faith

Educating Children and Young Adults

Supporting Religious Vocations

Helping the Poor and Vulnerable

Caring for Creation

The Current Impact of Your Catholic Generosity

Assets under management
$ 0 Million
2025/26 Grants
$ 0 Million

Investing Together, Morally, and Responsibly

The Catholic Foundation is committed to prudent investment strategies that align with Catholic teachings, are approved by the USCCB and the Michigan Catholic Conference, and that our trustees believe will lead to the optimal use of your fund(s) in the charitable community. We work with professional investment advisors to achieve a competitive return consistent with board policies. Detailed reports of funds are mailed to fundholders semi-annually.

Our socially responsible investments are committed to:

  • • Protecting Human Life
  • • Promoting Human Dignity
  • • Reducing Arms Production
  • • Pursuing Economic Justice
  • • Protecting the Environment

Financial Information

Since 1995 the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan (CFWM) has played an essential role in supporting parishes, schools, and charitable orga​nizations throughout the 11 counties of the Diocese of Grand Rapids and beyond.

Audited Financial Statements

 2024-25 | 2023-24

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Contact Us

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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