The Catholic Foundation of Michigan – one of the state’s most innovative lay-led Catholic nonprofit and an organization that facilitates multi-generational giving in line with the U.S. Conference of Bishops guidelines – today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors.

Veteran Michigan business and community leaders Harry Cendrowski, Founder of Bloomfield Hills, MI and Chicago-based accounting, tax, and financial advisory firm; and Mary Gresens, aprofessor in The Jesuit World Wide Learning Program sponsored by Georgetown University join the 20-plus member Board. With more than $5 million invested since its launch in October 2017, the Catholic Foundation of Michigan enables individuals to provide financial support through long-term or perpetual endowments and/or contributions into a Donor Advised Fund which, in turn, funds multiple charities now and into the future. To date, more than $550,000 in Donor directed funds have been granted to more than 50 organizations, including a $20,000 gift to Loyola High School in Detroit and $10,000 to Our Lady of Good Council Church in Plymouth.

“As people of faith, our values should direct our actions,” Angela Moloney, President and CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, said. “The Catholic Foundation of Michigan provides a bridge from generous donors to ministries that make an impact. We are here to provide perpetual support in line with our Catholic principles. Our Board of Directors is committed to carefully investing and granting, in alignment with the teachings of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, to support the organizations and ministries that our investors cherish. We are thrilled that Harry and Mary will be part of this growing effort.”

Patrick Fehring, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and President and CEO of Level One Bank, said “It was clear to us that there were generous hearts and incredible needs throughout the region, but no organization to connect the two. Think how we all will benefit from a professionally managed lay-led Catholic Foundation. Think how great the need is for Catholic values and services in today’s world. I would argue the need is greater than ever before.”

Archbishop Vigneron said he hopes the Foundation will ensure resources for his pastoral call to the faithful to “unleash the Gospel” well into the future. “I cannot but be filled with hope knowing that this work, too, has the potential to grow abundantly and fruitfully. It will be a cornerstone ensuring that we will have the resources to continue to witness to Christ for many years to come,” the Archbishop added.