Impact Report
As stewards of the legacy gifts entrusted to our care, the Catholic Foundation is committed to transparency and accountability. This means providing accurate and timely reports and information to donors and beneficiaries and prompt response to inquiries as they are received. This commitment also requires the preparation of annual reporting for all members of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg through the Impact Report, published in print for members of the Mater Dei Giving Society.
All reported figures and information provided in this report represent results and balances as of June 30, 2024.
- Please click here to download a PDF of the full version of the Impact Report.
- To learn more about the Mater Dei Giving Society, click here.
If you have trouble downloading the report or have questions concerning the information provided, please contact the Catholic Foundation at contact@catholicfoundation.org.
A Message from Bishop Parkes
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With tremendous gratitude, I am pleased to share the Impact Report of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg with you. It features some of our inspiring partners, highlights our growth and gains through prudent investments and the creation of new funds, and includes our condensed financial statement. Please know, our continued success is a direct result of strong lay leadership, the generosity of many who have come before us, and the inspiration and blessing of our Lord.
I am grateful for the direction and steadfast work of the Foundation Board of Trustees and our staff members. Trusted relationships, solid operational infrastructure, and invaluable experience have seen us through a volatile market. Their commitment to faithfully fulfill our new role brings renewed energy and enthusiasm as we build the future of our Church in the coming years.
In addition, I am gratefully humbled by our donors. Their generosity helped us strategically grow our long-term funds and launch a new annual grant program open to all parishes, schools, and ministries.
As always, we ask for prayers as we continue to service and commit to working together confidently face challenges, welcome opportunities, and joyfully build up the Kingdom of God.
Most Rev. Gregory L. Parkes
Bishop of St. Petersburg
At A Glance
Not-For-Profit Status
The Catholic Foundation is incorporated as the Emmaus Foundation, Inc., under articles 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code as a not-for-profit charitable entity.
27+ Years of Service
The Catholic Foundation was established in 1997 to ensure the future and prosperity of the Catholic Church within our diocesan boundaries by securing gifts, providing donor services, and managing financial resources to benefit those assisted by parish and diocesan ministries, and to oversee, protect and grow donations. Our dedicated staff and Board members support the work of Christ in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
Prudent Management
In full compliance with the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) governing the management of donated funds to charitable institutions for endowment purposes, the Board of Trustees and Foundation staff ensure donor intent is expressed and funds are managed and distributed in good faith with reasonable risk for returns to both grow the fund and preserve the initial donation.
Reporting and Governance
The Catholic Foundation monitors every fund entrusted to our care. Beneficiaries report at the conclusion of the fiscal year on distribution use, ensuring donor intent is maintained. And, to facilitate open, transparent communication, this information is shared with fund donors throughout their lifetime.
Responsible Investing
The Foundation utilizes all available resources to review the companies we partner with to build long-term funds under our care. Our portfolio currently screens at 98.6% compliant with USCCB guidelines for just, socially responsible investing.
In Partnership
From planning for today to planning for tomorrow, the Catholic Foundation staff is dedicated to serving our beneficiary parishes, schools, and ministries and partnering with donors to help bring their legacy dreams to life. To learn more about the Catholic Foundation and the funds we support, please visit www.catholicfoundation.org. For questions, please contact our staff at contact@catholicfoundation.org or call our office at (727) 374-0220.
Giving Thanks
Acknowledging our most generous donors is a priority for Bishop Parkes. He does this, in part, through the Mater Dei Giving Society. Two of the four circles of our giving society include Catholic Foundation donors: legacy donors are part of the Mater Spei (Mother of Hope) Circle and donors giving $5,000 or more in the last year are part of the Mater Unitatis (Mother of Unity) Circle. We offer heartfelt thanks to the members of our giving society who have taken steps to preserve the work we do in Christ’s name and look forward to welcoming additional members in future years.
If you have left your parish, Catholic school, or a diocesan ministry in your estate, please contact contact@catholicfoundation.org to be added to the Mater Spei Circle of the giving society.
Click here to learn more about the Mater Dei Giving Society.
A Loving Memory
From serving and actively participating in parish and diocesan leadership, to supporting Catholic education as legacy donors, Joe and Joann White became Catholic Foundation heroes with the creation of the Jim White Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund for Clearwater Central Catholic High School.
Click here to read more about their decision to establish a legacy fund in honor of their son.
Our Board
The Catholic Foundation operations and investments are actively governed by an independent Board of Trustees consisting of clergy and laity from around the Diocese with proven expertise in finance, accounting, estates, and business. “The Catholic Foundation, under the direction of the Board, has excelled at protection, growth, and governance of all donations entrusted to their care for almost 30 years,” said James Desmond, President of the Board. “It is our honor to serve our Diocese in this capacity.”
Click here to read more about our Board.
