Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is The Catholic Foundation and why does it exist?

Q. How does The Catholic Foundation serve the Diocese of Columbus?

The Foundation makes distributions and grants from restricted funds as designated by donors. The vast majority of these gifts go to work right here in our central Ohio community.

Q. Who governs The Catholic Foundation?

The Board of Trustees of The Catholic Foundation governs all operations and actions by the Foundation. The board meets quarterly. Its committees are working committees that meet on a regular basis to conduct the business of The Foundation. Trustees consist of Catholics from all walks of life and reflect the diverse experience of the Diocese.

Q. What are the benefits of working with The Catholic Foundation?

There are many benefits from association with The Catholic Foundation, including the convenience of handling charitable giving to numerous charities from one source, expert assistance and advice, tax advantages, a possible increase in income from assets for the donor or the donor's family, and possible wealth replacement to heirs for charitable gifts in trust. In short, The Catholic Foundation is an ideal place to help donors earn more, keep more of what they have worked hard to earn, and to support those in need more than ever thought possible.

Q. Why should I consider an endowment rather than an outright gift?

Many people believe that endowments are only for very wealthy people and big institutions like universities. In fact, an endowment is for anyone who wishes their favorite charities to benefit forever. With an endowment, the gift stays permanently invested, while an annual distribution or grant from its income is made to support the charities designated forever.

Q. How do I make a gift to The Catholic Foundation?

Gifts can be made to the Foundation at any time. Gifts of cash and appreciated assets are often made. Donors can also choose to work with the professional staff in designing a gift which will suit their personal needs and charitable goals.

Q. Is there a minimum dollar amount I need to have to work with the Foundation?

No. Most endowments are opened with $5,000 or more, but The Catholic Foundation is here to be of assistance to anyone who needs help in fulfilling their charitable intentions, regardless of the size.

Q. Can I pick who I want to benefit from my gift?

Absolutely. The distributions of funds are always exclusively and only as directed by the donors. Some people choose to not to make a designation, in which case their gift benefits the Church and Community Fund, providing resources for particular parishes, projects and causes that would otherwise not receive funding.

Q. Can the Diocese ever claim funds from the endowment, in all or in part?

No. As a legally established investment contract, the endowment can never be closed or used in any way other than specified when the endowment was established. The funds are not diocesan funds and are not considered in any way property of the Diocese.

Q. Do I have to be Catholic to have a relationship with The Catholic Foundation?

No. The Catholic Foundation welcomes participation from anybody who has an interest in helping support the work of the Church and wants assistance in fulfilling their charitable intentions.

Q. Can I include other organizations besides The Catholic Foundation in my arrangements?

Yes. Benefactors have the option of designating multiple charitable beneficiaries. It's one of the many ways The Catholic Foundation can help make your generosity toward others more pleasant and convenient, leaving you more time to enjoy the act of giving.

Q. Do I need my own lawyer or financial professional?

It's important that donors feel completely comfortable in their relationship with The Catholic Foundation. Thus, many of our benefactors get considerable peace of mind in using their own lawyer, CPA, Certified Financial Planner or life insurance professional to review arrangements and, in some cases, prepare the appropriate documentation. Of course, the Foundation also works with top professionals in the legal, accounting and financial planning fields to completely meet the charitable needs of our benefactors.

Q. Can I use The Catholic Foundation to recommend gifts to benefit non-Catholic organizations or entities outside the Columbus Diocese?

Yes, providing that at least a portion of the gift benefits a Catholic organization. It is also important to remember that The Catholic Foundation may not be associated with any organization whose practices are in conflict with tenants of the Catholic faith or the mission of The Catholic Foundation. If you have a specific question regarding the feasibility of a proposed gift, please contact us.

Q. Can the recipient ever close the endowment and use the entire funds for current need?

No. As a legally established investment contract, the endowment can never be closed and used in a way not set out in its establishment contract.

Q. Who keeps track of the investments and donations?

The Catholic Foundation administrators, the trust company with whom The Foundation works, and an independent accounting firm each track contributions and investments. The investment committee of The Catholic Foundation also monitors all investments and donations.

Q. Are funds invested in a manner in keeping with the tenants of the Roman Catholic Church?

Yes. The Foundation strictly adheres to the policies set forth by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops so that all investments are made in a socially responsible way in keeping with teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Q. How do I get on the mailing list for the quarterly "Blessings" newsletter?

It's easy! Simply click on this Newsletter Subscriptions link and provide us with your name and mailing address.