Endowments & Family Foundations
A long-term approach to financial sustainability and stewardship.
When you establish an endowment with the Foundation, the Foundation assumes fiduciary responsibility of the funds. The Foundation becomes responsible for the adherence to state laws, such as the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), or its Arizona-specific variation, the Management of Charitable Funds Act (MCFA). This means the Foundation is entrusted with honoring the intended purpose and restrictions of the fund as established by its founding parties.
Benefits of this structure include robust asset protection, shielding these valuable resources from creditors or litigious claims. Additionally, the principal is safeguarded against misuse or mismanagement, ensuring the long-term financial stability of the fund, and providing a recurring, predictable income for an uncertain future.
Endowments with the Catholic Community Foundation for the Diocese of Phoenix offer a unique way to create a legacy that reflects your faith and values. By establishing or contributing to an endowment, you ensure that the causes you care about are supported in perpetuity, providing stability and growth for the ministries, schools, parishes, or charities closest to your heart.
$78M
Endowment Funds Managed
200+
Endowment Funds Managed
$1.7M
2025 Endowments Disbursed
8.6%
10-Year Investment Return
What is an Endowment?
Create financial certainty for your organization beyond the current year’s giving cycle by building an Endowment Fund.
An endowment is a permanent fund where the principal amount is invested, and the earnings are used to support the designated purpose year after year. This ensures a predictable and sustainable source of funding for the future, preserving and growing your gift for generations to come.
We are called to be good stewards of our property, buildings, programs, and services. This includes securing the necessary funds to cover today’s expenses, as well as building capacity for future growth. Endowments are critical to the long-term survival of parishes, schools, and charitable organizations because they provide a permanent and stable source of income over time. The Catholic Community Foundation manages endowment funds for 98% of the parishes in the Diocese of Phoenix and currently holds over $130 million in assets under management, making us your trusted financial partner for long-term, charitable giving.
How Endowments Work
Your Vision
You determine the purpose of your endowment—whether it’s to support a Catholic school, fund scholarships, assist a parish, or support a charitable program.
Permanent Growth
Your initial gift is invested, and only a portion of the earnings is distributed annually, allowing the fund to grow over time.
Enduring Impact
Your generosity supports your chosen cause in perpetuity, leaving a legacy that reflects your faith and values.
An effective endowment in action
Why Choose the Catholic Community Foundation?
Trusted Expertise
With over 40 years of experience, we are a trusted partner in Catholic philanthropy, providing tailored guidance to align your gift with your vision.
Community-Focused
Unlike traditional financial institutions, our funds are reinvested in the Catholic community, ensuring your gift serves its intended purpose.
Faith-Centered Investments
We invest in accordance with Catholic values, giving you the peace of mind that your endowment aligns with our shared faith.
Fiduciary Oversight
As an independent 501(c)(3), we protect your charitable intent, ensuring your funds are managed responsibly and ethically.
Creating Your Endowment
We offer flexible options to meet your goals:
Establish a New Endowment
Create a custom endowment tailored to your unique intentions, complete with instructions for its use and distribution.
Contribute to an Existing Endowment
Support a current fund that aligns with your passions and values.
Honor Loved Ones
Create an endowment in memory of a loved one, ensuring their legacy lives on through meaningful support of Catholic causes.