The Catholic Community Foundation is a private philanthropic institution established to serve the Catholic community by promoting the longevity and sustainability of the faith. As a community foundation, we offer our donors a highly effective range of investment vehicles designed to fulfill their charitable giving needs. Along with our variety of giving products, we offer the finest professional stewardship of those funds, optimal tax benefits, and a program of generous and responsible giving to the community that creates meaningful and lasting legacies for all of our Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

The Catholic Community Foundation is an entirely independent entity both civilly and canonically from the Diocese of Phoenix, with its own 501(c)(3) designation, by-laws, Board of Directors, and staff professionals. It functions, however, as an integral part for Catholics within the Diocese of Phoenix, supporting the entire Catholic community, generating the additional everlasting resources needed to serve its people, parishes, schools, and social service agencies.

YES. This separation and protection from litigation are among the core reasons for the establishment of the Foundation back in 1983. Funds managed by CCF are protected both civilly and canonically from being allocated to pay lawsuits, settlements, or any other areas not outlined in the fund agreement since CCF is established as a separate corporation.

No. The funds are not diocesan funds and are not considered in any way property of the Diocese of Phoenix. CCF is required to distribute the funds in accordance with the fund agreement established by the fund donor. Donor and asset protection are the Catholic Community Foundation’s highest priority.

The Board of Directors of the Catholic Community Foundation governs the fiduciary operations and actions by CCF management. The Board meets four times per year. Its committees are working committees that meet on a regular basis to conduct the business of CCF. Directors consist of clergy and lay leaders who are Catholics from all walks of life and reflect the diverse experience of our Catholic community. The Bishop of Phoenix represents one of 25 voting members but is not the chairman.

The Catholic Community Foundation is distinguished by faith-based and socially responsible operations purposely aligned with the Catholic Church. CCF’s mission is a crucial component in our donor's decision to manage their funds and conduct operations. Funds managed by CCF are invested in 99% Catholic screened portfolios, meaning any money managed by CCF is aligned with Catholic values and teachings. This allows us to assist families and individuals to leave a legacy of love and faith, uniquely aligned with their Catholic values and beliefs.

The Catholic Community Foundation does not actively fundraise for our own operational costs. Our administrative fees, Mission Support Fees, help CCF conduct the programs that allow us to give back to other Catholic institutions' causes and missions who strive to impact our community every day.

The Catholic Community Foundation granted over 3 million dollars in 2020 alone through Donor Advised Funds, Giving Circle Grants, and Scholarships. We anticipate granting over 40 million dollars over the next ten years. CCF aims to grow the funds under management to ensure the Catholic organizations within our community have the necessary financial resources to carry out their missions.

Philanthropic Advisors identify financial needs within our community for both individuals and nonprofit organizations. They help facilitate charitable giving between faithful organizations and individuals with a propensity to give.

An individual donor can make a gift payable to the Catholic Community Foundation at any time and in any amount and designated to one of our current funds. Donors may give gifts of cash, checks, appreciated assets, or via credit card. You can also choose to partner with our staff in designing a gift that will suit your personal needs and charitable goals. While our staff cannot provide tax or legal advice, we will be happy to collaborate with you and your financial planner, personal attorney, and/or CPA.

The Catholic Community Foundation is committed to prudent investment strategies that follow the guidelines outlined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). As a Catholic organization, our portfolio managers do not invest in organizations that go against the teachings of the Catholic faith; additionally, our managers invest in funds that promote good works. We are proud to say that our investment portfolios are 99% Catholic screened. We work with professional investment advisors to achieve a competitive return consistent with board policies regarding risk and return.

CCF offers multiple investment pools. The specific investment asset allocation will depend upon the short-term and/or long-term objectives our donors stipulate when a fund is established. Each giving vehicle, such as a Donor Advised Fund, Endowment, or a Catholic Savings Fund, has different investment risk options. Please contact CCF to learn more about the investment pool options and which is best for you and your needs at 480-651-8800 or visit here.

Endowments are financial investment vehicles designed to withstand economic instabilities through sensible investing practices. Essentially, an endowment fund is a long-term investment fund made up of contributions that continue to grow while a percent of the earnings is distributed each year to benefit the named nonprofit organization or cause. Since the principle of the fund is untouched, this fund is guaranteed to last perpetuity and will safeguard against unpredictable future donor giving and economic hardships. The perspective of holding an endowment is very long-term as these are funds given in perpetuity to support the fund or organization's mission. Learn more here.

Additional contributions can be added to the endowment fund to increase the principal balance. Those additional contributions, along with the investment earnings, are used to grow the fund and to provide the beneficiary with ongoing financial support. A percentage of the earnings are distributed annually based on the intentions of the fund creator. Gifts to the endowment may be given in the form of immediate gifts such as cash, real estate, stocks, and bonds – or in the form of future gifts through wills and bequests or as a designated beneficiary of a life insurance plan, retirement plan, or IRA.

As an individual, you can make a gift to an existing endowment to support a parish, a Catholic school, or other charitable organization. You may also create an endowment that supports a ministry/cause of your choice in your name or in honor of a loved one.

As a leader of an organization, you can create a perpetual endowment that supports your mission.

You can establish a new endowment with an initial gift of $10,000 if you intend for that endowment to receive additional contributions. Any gift amount can be added to an existing endowment. If you want to establish an endowment with the expectation that there will be no additional contributions, then your gift must be a minimum of $20,000.

In May of each year, a notice of distribution is sent to each benefitting organization. The organization has the ability to select the payout amount based on several scenarios. Each August, the organization will receive their disbursement from their endowment. The disbursement is calculated on the average of the last 12 quarters, which helps counter the market fluctuations. CCF’s current spending policy is capped at 4%, which protects the longevity of the endowment and allows for continued growth based on the market.

CCF’s Philanthropic Advisors are available to offer consultation to organizations regarding charitable giving options such as education about major gifts, gifts solicitation, annual giving, endowment growth initiatives, and planned giving. Whatever the project is, we can help your organization reach your goals.

Liquidity of each fund type varies based on the nature of the underlying investment vehicle. 

If an organization were to open a Catholic Savings Fund or Catholic Growth Fund with CCF, the organization retains ownership and access to those funds. Those funds, by nature, are like a savings or brokerage account at your local bank. 

If an individual or organization were to start an endowment, those funds are available on an annual basis, in accordance with the spending policy, as prescribed.

A charitable gift annuity is a gift vehicle that falls into the category of planned giving. It involves a contract between a donor and a charity, whereby the donor transfers cash or property to the charity in exchange for a partial tax deduction and a lifetime stream of annual income from the charity. The annuitant receives a fixed source of income for life without worrying about fluctuations in the market, like other retirement options. After your passing, the named charity receives the remainder of the annuity to support its mission. Please contact CCF for more information on annuities at 480-651-8800 or visit here.

The Forever Funds are a collection of endowments that create an everlasting impact that supports organizations that promote the mission of the Catholic Church. The Life Forever Fund aids those organizations that protect life from conception through natural death. The Education Forever Fund provides tuition assistance scholarships towards Catholic Education for the families most in need. The Community Forever Fund supports the infrastructure needs of Parishes, Schools, and nonprofits through grants. The Care Forever Fund supports frontline organizations that provide for those who are most vulnerable.

Investment returns from the Forever Fund Endowments are distributed back into the community on an annual basis in the form of grants. Grant recipients are chosen through our Giving Circle Program.

The Giving Circle is a unique and innovative program inspired by a new generation of donors. Each member is an active participant in the community grant-making process. In late winter, organizations are invited to pitch their need to Giving Circle members at an event called Pitch Day. Each member is asked to cast their vote on the causes that speak to them most. Votes are tallied and grant winners are announced. Throughout the year, members have an opportunity to connect with grant recipients during check granting day and site visits. The CCF Giving Circle is the ONLY Catholic giving circle in Arizona! Please visit here to learn more.

A planned gift is a contribution that is arranged in the present and allocated at a future date. A planned gift has no immediate financial impact on the donor but can provide significant support to the named beneficiary at the time of payout. Commonly donated through a will or trust, retirement plan, or even life insurance policy, planned gifts are most often granted once the donor has passed. A donor can name their parish, Catholic school, favorite nonprofit, or even CCF as a full or partial beneficiary of their estate. Planned gifts are an excellent option for those who are unable to provide support in the present but would like to make an everlasting impact on the organizations they love after they pass.

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is an individual charitable giving vehicle established with a minimum $10,000 gift to CCF for any general or specific purpose; grants are awarded by the Fund Adviser (individual donor) whenever they feel the desire to give. A DAF is a popular giving vehicle because it simplifies your charitable giving with one tax receipt but still provides continued support to the causes you love. If you would like to learn more about our Donor Advised Fund options, please contact CCF at 480-651-8800 or visit here.

We can provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to fulfill your financial and philanthropic goals. We help individual donors as well as nonprofit organizations including parishes and schools. CCF has a Professional Advisory Board with trusted and vetted professionals with expertise in wills and trusts, investments, and tax laws that provide you with the assistance needed to make the best decision for your personal and organizational needs.

Every organization has different financial goals. CCF can provide you with the expertise and knowledge to help you meet those goals, whether it's an endowment drive, planned giving program, or fundraising initiative. If the organization would like to secure financial resources for the future, we are here to help. If you would like to learn more about how CCF can help your organization, please contact us at 480-651-8800.

CCF’s Development staff are available to offer consultation to organizations regarding charitable giving options such as education about major gifts, gifts solicitation, annual giving, endowment growth initiatives, and planned giving. Whatever the project is, we can help your organization reach your goals.

No matter your religious affiliation, CCF can help you fulfill your financial and philanthropic goals as long as they are not contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Faith.

Yes, to the extent allowable under IRS regulations. The Catholic Community Foundation is classified as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Contact your tax advisor or accountant regarding your particular tax benefit circumstances.

A Catholic Savings Fund is essentially a savings fund for organizations. It provides a flexible short-term investment option that is superior to a bank savings account, CD, or stocks and bonds. Your organization gets a competitive interest rate with immediate access to your funds should your investment criteria change — and with no market fluctuations. The principal and the interest earned of the fund are also protected by the assets of CCF, providing a no-risk investment option for your organization.

A Catholic Growth Fund is an investment account for non-profit organizations that provides an alternative to secular banks. Non-profits have the ability to select an investment pool that best serves their needs, including the risk profile and timeline of usage, as a means to grow idle cash overtime. All pools in Catholic Growth Funds are screened in accordance with the USCCB investment guidelines and are overseen by the CCF Finance & Investment Committee and a third-party investment manager. Learn more here.

Both funds are treated like a checking or savings account. The difference between the two is how they are invested. A Catholic Growth Fund is a fund that is placed in a moderately aggressive portfolio that allows for growth compared but is subject to market fluctuations. A Catholic Savings Fund is invested in a much lower risk portfolio that eliminates the market's peaks and valleys, but CCF guarantees a set annualized return rate. If you would like to learn more about which fund best suits your organization, please contact the Catholic Community Foundation at 480-651-8800.

The CCF must follow and act in accordance with the donors and establishing party’s intent of the fund. Endowments exist to provide a perpetual income and any withdrawals would go against the original intent of establishing the endowment.

Catholic Education Arizona scholarships are made possible through tax credits, which provides tuition assistance to those families in need. The Catholic Community Foundation grants scholarships through the generosity of individuals and organizations within the community. Currently, CCF offers three types of scholarships: CCF Scholarship Program (needs-based tuition assistance), Christian Service Awards (based on service), and special interest scholarships designated for particular student classifications based on the donor’s intent.

You can be a recipient of both scholarships. Both the CCF Scholarship Program (tuition assistance scholarship) and Christian Service Awards (CSA) are by nomination only.

The Christian Service Award is a scholarship that rewards those individuals who live a Christ-Centered life through their volunteerism within the community, whether it is at their local parish or another charitable organization. The CCF Scholarship Program is a needs-based tuition assistance scholarship that provides financial assistance to those families in need, based on the FAIR Application data. The CCF Scholarship Program is awarded by nomination only.

*If you have any other questions about our scholarship offerings, please contact Nicole Winter. 480-651-8806