Giving back is more than “just” an act of charity—it’s a reflection of our faith in action. Catholics support parishes, schools and ministries not only to sustain vital missions but also to strengthen the spiritual foundation for future generations. Multiple avenues offer financial contributions, including the Catholic Community Foundation, several of which are found throughout the U.S., including in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

The newly formed Catholic Community Foundation of West Central and Southwest Ohio helps parishes, schools and ministries secure long-term financial stability through managed endowments. Offering guidance in planned giving and ensuring a steady stream of income, it sustains vital Catholic missions.

The Foundation’s mission is “To inspire faith-filled generosity for the long-term financial support of Catholic parishes, schools, ministries and nonprofit organizations in West Central and Southwest Ohio,” said David Kissell, Director of the Department of Stewardship and Chief Development Officer for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. It strives “to connect donors to the Catholic organizations they love and provide a Catholic ministry that transforms our local communities through the work of parishes, schools and ministries.”

Current Foundation board members noted the organization’s commitment to bold initiatives and honoring donor intent in order to build lasting legacies that strengthen the connection between faith and philanthropy.

“It simply gives people a way to donate their funds with transparency of how they will be utilized,” said Marc Dizard, former Foundation board chair and current chair of the Risk Management Committee.

The Foundation’s current board chair, Ken Stecher, noted that the Foundation “is independent of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati [and] provides donors with a way to support bold visions and support transformative work following Catholic principles.”

Kissell emphasized Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr’s support for the Catholic Community Foundation’s creation. He noted that it operates independently but with the archbishop or his representative serving on the Foundation’s board, which has been a successful model for other dioceses with similar foundations.

“I hope that the Foundation becomes a pillar for our Catholic missions in the community,” said Dizard. “I hope that people can embrace and support it to allow it to grow so that everyone in the community can benefit from the deployment of funds. I see great value for our youth, … parishes and … schools to benefit with a common vision for the future aligned to Catholic values.”

Stecher agreed, adding that he hopes they “connect with Catholic families and give them another opportunity to fund a charitable foundation that will … [follow] the Catholic Bishops’ guidelines to only invest in companies that provide goods and services [aligned] with Catholic values.”

Board members shared that they have faith in the Foundation’s distribution of funds to make a significant impact throughout the archdiocese. They are currently inviting contributions to the “Founders Circle Campaign” to fund the Foundation’s start-up needs, including hiring staff, and to enable assistance to future donors, local parishes, schools and ministries.

To learn more about the “Founders Circle Campaign” and the Catholic Community Foundation of West Central and Southwest Ohio, visit www.GiveCatholicOhio.org.