Foundation’s News
Honoring Tom Chandler: A Legacy of Faith and Philanthropy
On March 7, 2026, Bishop John Noonan presented Tom Chandler with the Mary, Mother of God Award at the closing of Mass at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Winter Park. Madelyn Weed, President & CEO of CFOCF, spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors and the Foundation team, “it is a privilege to recognize Tom Chandler for his extraordinary dedication to the Catholic Church, to The Catholic Foundation, and to our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the Central Florida community. For more than forty years, Tom has generously shared his time, talent, and treasure in service to others. Through his visionary leadership, professional expertise, and deep commitment to the joy of philanthropy, he has helped strengthen support for…
Stewarding Your Gifts with Purpose
As we reflect on the values of Easter, the joyful triumph of Christ’s Resurrection, and the hope that outshines death, we’re reminded that everything we have is a gift from God, entrusted to us to be used with love and purpose. We’re invited to rejoice in the promise of eternal life and to consider how we can pass that hope on to those who come after us. One meaningful way to do this is through thoughtful estate planning. With prayerful reflection and careful preparation, you can create a plan that wisely stewards your blessings, provides for loved ones, appoints guardians for children or dependents, and expresses your Catholic faith. By creating or updating your will or trust, you can: If…
Concord Advisory Group March 2026 Market Highlights
The Foundation utilizes Concord Advisory Group as our trusted partner for investment management services. The Foundation’s investment programs serve our partner organizations to provide annual income and financial wellness and serve individual donors to meet their philanthropic aspirations and legacy goals. Concord is an Investment Advisory Group focused on faith-based nonprofit services by providing strategic advice to staff, our Investment Committee, and our Board of Directors to improve the performance of our investment services. The Foundation’s investment services include endowment funds, donor advised funds (DAFs), and reserve funds, each with their own targeted performance strategy. Concord has more than thirty years of experience assisting their partners in managing the balance between spending policy and corpus growth while navigating the challenging…
Honoring Fr. Olmo for His Years of Service
Honoring Fr. Olmo for His Years of Service At the February meeting of the Board of Directors, we were honored to recognize Fr. Ivan Olmo for his faithful leadership which has shaped The Catholic Foundation in profound and lasting ways. For nine years, he served both as a member of our Board of Directors and as our Spiritual Advisor, offering not only thoughtful counsel and governance, but also steady spiritual guidance. His presence at our meetings was a reminder that our work is more than financial stewardship, it is a ministry grounded in prayer, discernment, and service to the Church. Through seasons of growth, he helped ensure that decisions reflected our Catholic identity and remained rooted in faith. His wisdom,…
Welcome Our New Planned Giving Advisory Council Members
Welcoming Three New Planned Giving Advisory Council Members Charles Van Patten, JD, CAP Parishioner at St. Margaret MaryAttorneyLegacy Giving Officer, EWTN Charlie Van Patten served as a Director of Philanthropy for The Catholic Foundation from 2022 – 2024 after many years in the legal services department of Crescendo, Inc – a leading planned and major giving software and marketing company. During his time with Crescendo, he provided support to gift officers and professional advisors seeking to understand the intricacies of planned gifts. Charlie has enjoyed the opportunity to present at multiple national planned giving conferences. He has also led seminars and webinars on major gifts, planned gifts, and blended gifts throughout the United States. Charlie is a member of the…
Concord Advisory Group February 2026 Market Highlights
The Foundation utilizes Concord Advisory Group as our trusted partner for investment management services. The Foundation’s investment programs serve our partner organizations to provide annual income and financial wellness and serve individual donors to meet their philanthropic aspirations and legacy goals. Concord is an Investment Advisory Group focused on faith-based nonprofit services by providing strategic advice to staff, our Investment Committee, and our Board of Directors to improve the performance of our investment services. The Foundation’s investment services include endowment funds, donor advised funds (DAFs), and reserve funds, each with their own targeted performance strategy. Concord has more than thirty years of experience assisting their partners in managing the balance between spending policy and corpus growth while navigating the challenging…
Market Highlights from Our Trusted Partner The Concord Advisory Group, Ltd.
The Foundation utilizes Concord Advisory Group as our trusted partner for investment management services. The Foundation’s investment programs serve our partner organizations to provide annual income and financial wellness and serve individual donors to meet their philanthropic aspirations and legacy goals. Concord is an Investment Advisory Group focused on faith-based nonprofit services by providing strategic advice to staff, our Investment Committee, and our Board of Directors to improve the performance of our investment services. The Foundation’s investment services include endowment funds, donor advised funds (DAFs), and reserve funds, each with their own targeted performance strategy. Concord has more than thirty years of experience assisting their partners in managing the balance between spending policy and corpus growth while navigating the challenging…
Congratulations 2026 Spring/Summer Event Grant Recipients
The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida (CFOCF) provides event sponsorship grants to support diocesan organizations as they spread the good news of their ministry, strengthen donor relationships and raise funds to continue their impactful work. They also enhance awareness of The Foundation and the different ways we serve. Our goal is to support parishes, schools, and ministries throughout the six deaneries of the Diocese of Orlando. Below is a list of all our 2026 Spring/Summer Event Sponsorship Grant recipients: Organization Name Name of Event Event Date Sponsorsip Level St. Mary Catholic Church 4th Annual Mardi Gras 2/14/2026 Gold Sponsor All Souls Catholic School All Souls Catholic School 32nd Annual Golf Tournament 3/3/2026 Hole Sponsor St. Joseph Catholic School, Winter Haven…
An Act of Love for 2026
This February, Make Planning an Act of Love Greetings and Blessings! February is a season of love. This month, you not only celebrate the feast day of St. Valentine, but you can also begin preparing your mind and heart for the sacred journey of Lent. This month invites you to deepen your faith and reflect on the boundless love God has for each of us. It calls you to share His love generously through your actions, your compassion, and your service to others. Acts of love and charity not only uplift those around us, but they also bring deep joy and renewal to your own heart. One profound act of love is thoughtful estate planning. The Catholic Foundation of Central…
Market Highlights from Our Trusted Partner The Concord Advisory Group, Ltd.
The Foundation utilizes Concord Advisory Group as our trusted partner for investment management services. The Foundation’s investment programs serve our partner organizations to provide annual income and financial wellness and serve individual donors to meet their philanthropic aspirations and legacy goals. Concord is an Investment Advisory Group focused on faith-based nonprofit services by providing strategic advice to staff, our Investment Committee, and our Board of Directors to improve the performance of our investment services. The Foundation’s investment services include endowment funds, donor advised funds (DAFs), and reserve funds, each with their own targeted performance strategy. Concord has more than thirty years of experience assisting their partners in managing the balance between spending policy and corpus growth while navigating the challenging…