A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

Would you say you are confident in your understanding of the Catholic giving ecosystem here in West Michigan? Do you know how the Foundation partners with parishes, schools, and the diocese? If you think it is confusing, you’re not alone. Let me begin to demystify this puzzle.

Today, the Catholic Foundation serves as the umbrella organization that manages funds and distributes grants for a variety – and majority – of parishes, schools, and Catholic ministries throughout West Michigan. It is likely that the Catholic organization with which you are most familiar has a beneficial relationship with the Catholic Foundation.

The Catholic Foundation’s purpose is to facilitate charitable giving to impact and sustain a variety of ministries today and for generations to come. Excellent Catholic programs, services, and ministries require substantial and consistent funding over time, which is where the Foundation is a particularly valuable partner.

Many ministries decide to partner with the Catholic Foundation by opening a fund.  Here are several examples:

• St. Patrick Parish (Portland) has a fund to benefit the parish’s faith formation programs
• Catholic Central and West Catholic high schools have dozens of funds to provide tuition assistance for families
• God’s Kitchen has a fund to provide for ongoing operational support.

Hundreds of funds throughout the diocese benefit from the Catholic Foundation’s investment expertise and helpful support.

Additionally, donors realize many benefits by partnering with the Catholic Foundation:

• Financial – personal tax benefits (deduction) and a safe place for your gift to reside while you take the time needed to determine your impact and future legacy.
• Control – hands-on approach, directing gifts to multiple recipients on your terms, through a single fund.
• Worry-free – time-tested expertise covering every detail – investing, accounting, reporting, charitable research, and more.
• Convenience –A one-stop shop, accepting cash and non-cash gifts and returning at least 99% of all contributions directly to the charities you designate.
• Long-term Impact – Legacy/bequest support for planned (deferred) giving; funds grow tax free and through socially responsible investment gains

By managing endowed funds, administering donor-advised funds, and inspiring generosity for community philanthropy funds, the Catholic Foundation is here to help facilitate your charitable giving.

Hopefully this brings to light how, with your help, the Catholic Foundation financially strengthens Catholic missions throughout West Michigan – both now and for generations to come.

Please contact me if you would like to learn more.

Sincerely,

Greg Deja