Over the past year, the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, Inc. provided more than $4.3 million in grants to Catholic Schools, Parishes, programs and ministries, also college scholarships within the Diocese of Venice and beyond. This was made possible through the kindness and generosity of individuals and families who chose to establish funds, especially endowment funds, with the Foundation.
An endowment fund provides a source of annual income to the Catholic entity of one’s choice. Endowments are designed to function in perpetuity, because the original gift amount (the principal) is invested and the earnings are used to provide long-term financial support to a Parish, school, program or the ministry about which you care most. Once established, anyone can make additional contributions to the fund in any dollar amount.
“The Catholic Community Foundation provides the most efficient way to honor and execute the intentions of donors who wish to support Catholic Schools, as well as Parishes, Catholic Charities and other entities,” said Michael Morse, Foundation Executive Director. “The Foundation brings extensive experience, best-in-class systems, and a robust framework for managing complex charitable giving.”
Many endowment funds are created through gifts from wills or trusts. However, a significant number of donors choose to fund their endowments while they are still living so they can see the impact of their gifts. There are numerous ways to fund an endowment with the Foundation including gifts of cash, securities, property, distributions from retirement accounts and more.
Many donors worry about what will happen to their Parish, School or favorite program or ministry after they pass away. Endowment funds are a great way to ensure that these entities will be here for generations to come.
Anyone can donate to an existing endowed fund in any amount by visiting https://ccfdioceseofvenice.org/existing-funds/. On this site, donors can use the filter or search feature to sort by fund name, beneficiary, or area of interest.
“Donors can feel confident that every gift is managed prudently, is guided by Catholic values, and aligns with donor intentions, thus maximizing its impact on those served by the Catholic Church,” Morse said.
The Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. was established to provide philanthropic opportunities for individuals to create lasting gifts in support of Catholic programs and ministries within the Diocese of Venice and beyond.
To learn more please contact the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida at 941-441-1124 or CCF@dioceseofvenice.org.
