His aunt and uncle made his education a priority; his wife made it his legacy
"I trust the Foundation to honor Ralph's name and ensure his passion for engineering and our Catholic faith lives on for generations. There is no better way to give than through a mission that aligns with our values." Nancy knows the Foundation's careful investment and management will continue even after she is gone.
What will your legacy be?
Born into a family of nine that farmed potatoes in rural Maine, Ralph Knight grew up in a household where higher education seemed unattainable. This changed when his aunt and uncle recognized his potential and funded his college education. After his death, Ralph's wife established an endowed scholarship that has continued this generous legacy, supporting 16 Catholic students in their pursuit of college education, and will do so indefinitely.
Armed with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Newark College of Engineering in New Jersey, Ralph embarked on a distinguished career, constructing polyethylene and polypropylene plants worldwide, all while remaining steadfast in his devotion to Christ.
Ralph and his wife, Nancy, first met in Los Angeles, where they married and raised their family. Over 40 years ago, they moved to Arizona and became active members of Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church in Carefree.
After Ralph's passing in 2010, Nancy collaborated with the Catholic Community Foundation to establish the Ralph M. Knight Scholarship Award, which supports Catholic high school seniors pursuing careers in science and engineering.
"I trust the Foundation to honor Ralph's name and ensure his passion for engineering and our Catholic faith lives on for generations. There is no better way to give than through a mission that aligns with our values." Nancy knows the Foundation's careful investment and management will continue even after she is gone.
Originally, Nancy used her Donor-Advised Fund to grant the scholarship until this year, when she converted the fund into a permanent endowment, ensuring its growth and that Ralph's passion for education and faith would continue indefinitely.
If this idea is intriguing and you would like to learn more about establishing a memorial or tribute gift, contact the Catholic Community Foundation. There are many options to consider during your estate planning process, including a Catholic parish or school, a non-profit organization, or an established endowment fund that aligns with your passions.
Leaving Your Own Legacy
"For my father, education was paramount. He often told me and my siblings that he would go without the shirt on his back to ensure we received a Catholic education."
- Dr. Mary Francis Maloney, Perpetual Life Society Member and Endowment Fund Holder
“Amanda Durand wanted to give scholarships while she was still alive, which enabled her to meet the recipients, and that allowed them to know her. And that was really beautiful."
Sister Mary Jordan Hoover, Principal of JPII High School and Catholic Community Foundation Board Member
What to Consider in End-of-life Giving
Which organizations or areas do I want to impact?
Most importantly, where do you want your legacy gift to impact? What do you love? What do you want to see blossom or safeguard? It might be a charity or a general field of interest (e.g., protecting life).
Do I want my gift(s) to span generations?
Determining whether we want to impact our cause(s) for generations or to benefit today is an important step to determine the type of fund to house your legacy gift.
Do I want to restrict the use of my gift?
End-of-life gifts may be as specific as the timeline of use of the funds and/or the areas in which the funds may be used. Whether permanent or immediate, the Foundation will ensure your intent and wishes and fulfilled.
Do I want to involve my family or other loved ones?
Legacy gifts can be a great way to introduce your family to philanthropy by including them in the charitable selection process. It is important to consider whether this will last for one or more generations.
Do I want to include flexibility in my plan?
The goal is for your legacy to last forever. Just as today looks different from 1,000 years ago, 1,000 years from today will also look different, with new challenges for society and our faith. Selecting a fund advisor or alternative use can help adapt your fund for the uncertain future.
Why the Foundation?
We are a fiduciary
One of the Foundation’s primary functions is reassuring our donors that their wishes and intent will always be honored.
We have the experience
We have 40 years of experience in advising and managing charitable funds for the living and the deceased. With over 600 charitable funds managed, we have the breadth and depth of knowledge to ensure your plan is safeguarded and structured to accomplish your goals.
Flexibility and personal customization
No two charitable plans are alike. At the Foundation, we can be as specific or broad as your plan requires. We pride ourselves on providing custom solutions that help you give however you want.
We are you!
We are authentically Catholic, and our values guide everything we do: how we invest, make decisions, and serve our community. As a canonical and independent 501(c)(3), we pride ourselves on living our Catholic values in a way that best supports the Diocese of Phoenix region.