Helping to Fund the New Evangelization
As Catholic business leaders we’re blessed with untold wealth that when pooled, can assist our brothers and sisters in southeast Michigan. The Catholic Foundation of Michigan is a ministry, and one we’ve needed for years.
Other religious groups have foundations and funds that support their communities, why shouldn’t Catholics? With the Catholic Foundation we now have an investment channel, which can unlock the untouched capacity among the faithful.
 Frank Migliazzo
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Those of us on the Board also are Founders’ Circle members. This is our way to help fund evangelization and to support the work of parishes, Catholic schools and other ministries as directed by Archbishop Vigneron in his pastoral letter Unleash the Gospel. While still in our infancy, the Holy Spirit has helped the Foundation quickly grow beyond our expectations. As St. Paul says, we are “able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us” (Eph 3:20).
When fellow board member Bruce Barron invited me to join, I reflected on what God wanted me to do. Considering that I’ve worked in investments my entire career, it made sense to serve the Foundation and to chair the Investment Committee. While any start up is a lot of work, we know that the time we’re dedicating is helping to secure the future for our greater Detroit Catholic community.
It’s exciting to offer investment solutions that align with our values to meet the needs of Catholic organizations in southeast Michigan. We adhere to the United States Council for Catholic Bishops’ socially responsible investment guidelines.
Some may think these strict moral guides may increase fees or hurt performance, but as God works, our options are as sound as, and often better than secular choices. One of our roles is to help educate others about how their legacy can live through their investment and donor advised funds. Each benefactor has complete control over where their funds are distributed during their lives and upon their death. With the Catholic Foundation, affluent philanthropists don’t need to create and manage their own family foundations – they can work through us. Charitable planning can provide a win for both the Catholic community and the donor.
As Catholics, every spending decision should be spiritual. We should strive to use our treasure as efficiently as possible and to support the good works of the Church. Please consider joining us!
Membership in the Founders’ Circle is open through the end of 2018. Individuals who contribute $5,000 for five years to support the ministry of the Catholic Foundation, during its formative years, will be remembered in perpetuity. Benefits include public recognition as well as invitations to annual education, social and spiritual events hosted by the Foundation. To join the Founders’ Circle, or for more information, contact Angela Moloney, President and CEO at Info@CatholicFoundationMichigan.org or call (248) 204–0332.