creating a legacy to endure all time
A memorial fund, endowment fund, or tribute gift is a charitable fund established in memory of an individual. Donations made to the fund support causes close to the deceased's heart, perpetuating their legacy through positive impact. This can be any parish, Catholic school, or non-profit organization, or through the Catholic Community Foundation’s Forever Fund Endowment.
Whether you are preplanning a funeral or facing an unexpected event, you have various options when selecting a charity to receive your donations.
In lieu of flowers
Flowers are a traditional tribute to lost loved ones, conveying love and sympathy, but they quickly fade. For a lasting honor, consider memorial donations, which celebrate a life and continue a loved one's legacy. Creating a fund or endowment allows friends and family to contribute, transforming grief into a meaningful act that inspires others. This approach processes grief and creates a beautiful legacy that can continue through time.
Edward Carter dedicated his life to his land and his family. It was well-known that Ed was always the first to offer help whenever someone was in need. His legacy lives on, as his friends and family contributed to the Catholic Community Foundation's Forever Fund endowment instead of sending flowers, ensuring that Ed's commitment to feeding the hungry will endure forever.
NANCY MADE RALPH'S MEMORY HIS LEGACY
Ralph Knight built a successful career in chemical engineering. He attributed his perseverance and faith to his aunt and uncle who made his education a priority for this son of Maine potato farmers.
After Ralph's passing in 2010, his wife Nancy established the Ralph M. Knight Scholarship Award to support Catholic high school seniors pursuing science and engineering, ensuring his legacy lived on.
In 2025, when this scholarship had assisted 15 students with their education, Nancy decided to convert the fund to an endowment, ensuring its growth and Ralph's passion for education and faith would continue to grow.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Forever Fund and how would it apply in this situation?
The Catholic Community Foundation has been managing gifts to the Forever Funds which is an existing endowment that will make money available through the end of time for organizations focusing on Life, Education, Vocations, Care, and Community.
What if i don’t accumulate enough to create a custom memorial?
Any amount can be used to help fund an established endowment managed by the Foundation. With your guidance, this process allows family and friends to donate to meaningful causes that reflect the essence of the individual being remembered.
Do I need to be Catholic to participate?
No, we are dedicated to assisting anyone who wishes to honor their loved ones' passions and dreams through charitable giving. By working with us, you will benefit from our Catholic values investing, which involves selecting companies thoughtfully, thoroughly vetting them, and avoiding investments that contradict Catholic teachings as reflected in their business practices, products, or services.
Next steps
Please contact the Catholic Community Foundation, experts in charitable giving. We will help you find the best option to honor your loved one’s memory. You can trust the Foundation to start your memorial fund so you can begin sharing information with family and friends, including on social media, in an obituary, and informing your parish and funeral home.
