FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Catholic Community Foundation? 

The Catholic Community Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1976 to assist individuals and organizations in building lasting financial support for the parishes, schools, and other ministries of the archdiocese.

Are the Catholic Community Foundation assets separate from archdiocesan funds? 

Yes.  The Catholic Community Foundation is a separately incorporated 501(c)(3) organization. By law, no one can appropriate funds from the foundation for any purpose other than that for which the funds are specified.

What are the benefits of working with the foundation? 

For donors, the Catholic Community Foundation offers the convenience of using a single source to give to numerous charities, expert philanthropic advice, tax advantages, and assurance that your funds are being morally invested. For parishes, schools, and ministries, the foundation provides philanthropic and stewardship services to develop perpetual funding sources for your organizations.

Does the foundation displace my lawyer and financial advisor? 

No. The Catholic Community Foundation works in partnership with professional advisors such as accountants, estate planning attorneys, and financial planners to create only the charitable giving component of your financial and estate planning.

Is the Catholic Community Foundation for everyone? 

Yes. The Catholic Community Foundation empowers all Catholics of our archdiocese to become philanthropists. Being a philanthropist doesn’t mean you have to give away millions, or even thousands of dollars. It simply means that your charitable giving is organized and thoughtful.

What if I have a family foundation already? 

Private foundations allow you to maintain long-term involvement with your charitable assets; however, they can be time consuming and costly to maintain.  Additionally, you are required to annually distribute at least 5% of your net investment assets or be subject to IRS penalties.  By establishing a Donor Advised Fund with the Catholic Community Foundation

• You can enjoy virtually the same benefits of a private foundation, but without the expense and IRS reporting requirements.
• You can maintain complete anonymity, if so desired.
• Your family can remain involved in the grant-making recommendations.

For those wanting to maintain their family foundation but who feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of vetting nonprofits to receive support, the foundation offers comprehensive grant making and philanthropic services.

Can I make a donation of property or appreciated stock? 

Absolutely. In fact, it is often more beneficial to donate appreciated stock rather than liquidating it to make a cash donation. We can enable any complex gift, including real estate, appreciated stock, etc.

Does the foundation charge a fee for its services? 

There is no cost to establish a fund at the Catholic Community Foundation. Once the fund is established, donors are charged a very small percentage, based on type and size of fund, for investment and administration. See our complete fee schedule here.

Is it possible for grants from the foundation to be made anonymously? 

Yes. Many Catholic Community Foundation donors choose anonymity. Simply request that neither the name of the donor nor the name of the fund be released.

What happens to the fund(s) after my lifetime? 

For donor advised funds, you can stipulate that your children or other successors serve as advisors for the funds. After the lifetime of your successor advisor/s, the fund will become an endowment – either a permanent endowment in your family name (e.g., “The Smith Family Endowment Fund”) or as part of the Catholic Community Foundation’s Unrestricted Endowment Fund, however you direct. The proceeds generated will be distributed by the foundation in perpetuity and, to the extent possible, in accordance with your original charitable vision.

What if I am seeking general philanthropic advice? 

Whether you are just beginning to think about your charitable legacy or whether you are an experienced philanthropist seeking to learn about new ministries and nonprofit organizations to support, foundation staff can offer philanthropic advice with no obligation or fees. Together with your legal and financial advisors, we will work with you and your family to develop a successful and satisfying plan. Contact us.