Investing with Faith / Jolinda Moore

When it comes to the Catholic Community Foundation, your gifts truly matter

For nearly 40 years, the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has strengthened archdiocesan ministries, parishes, schools and agencies that are a lifeline of hope and Christ-centered examples across central and southern Indiana. Today, the CCF stewards nearly 600 endowments with a combined value of $270 million.

Each endowment was created with a purpose: to provide stable, annual distributions that directly support the work of the Catholic Church.

An endowment is a permanent fund established to provide support forever. Because the principal remains intact, an endowment becomes a lasting source of stability, ensuring that ministries have dependable support not only today but for future generations. In this way, donors can leave a legacy that continues to strengthen the Church long after the initial gift is made. For those with a visionary outlook to establish an endowment, I can only imagine their absolute joy in knowing that distributions in fiscal year 2025 totaled more than $10.7 million!

Through the years, the CCF’s staff and volunteers have worked intentionally to raise awareness across the archdiocese about the importance of longterm investment in the Church’s future. Many Catholics are surprised to learn that endowments are not only for major donors. Any gift—large or small—can be added to an existing parish, school or ministry endowment.

This message has resonated powerfully—knowing that a gift of any size makes an impact. As communities see the real impact of these funds—scholarships awarded, more people served, parishes stabilized—more Catholics are choosing to invest today so that ministry may flourish for generations.

Also resonating is a signature strength of the CCF—ensuring that all investments comply with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ socially responsible investment guidelines. This means Catholics can give with confidence, knowing that their resources are invested ethically and in alignment with Church teaching.

Supporting the work of the Church through an endowment is more accessible than ever. Parishioners may:

—Give directly to their parish or ministry of interest and restrict the gift to the entity’s endowment

—Visit www.acrossthearch.org/ccf/donate and choose where they would like their contribution to apply.

Contributions of stock, donor advised fund grants or QCDs can also be used to grow an endowment. Please contact our office at 317-236-1482 or e-mail ccf@archindy.org to request additional details on these types of contributions.

Whether it’s a onetime gift, an annual donation, or part of an estate plan, every contribution strengthens the longterm vitality of our local Church.

In supporting an endowment today, we strengthen the Catholic ministries that form our families, our communities, and our Church—today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
 

(Jolinda Moore is a member of SS. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood and serves as the executive director of the archdiocesan Office of Stewardship and Development and the Catholic Community Foundation. Tax or legal information provided herein is not intended as tax or legal advice. Always consult with your legal, tax or financial advisors before implementing any gift plan.) †