Faces of Philanthropy: Lisa Oliveras

Lisa Oliveras

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, Orlando

Legacy Gifts & Grants Coordinator

St. Katharine Drexel Society Member 

I’ve worked in the non-profit sector for the past seven years and have had the honor of serving at The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida for the past three. As a Legacy Gifts and Grants Coordinator, I help parishes, ministries, and schools honor and fulfill the legacy of those who have remembered them in their estate plans. Planned Giving is more than a means of sustainability for parishes; it is a profound expression of faith. It reflects how deeply a ministry has touched their hearts, guided lives in the light of the Gospel, and stands as living proof that the parish’s ministry has been so deeply imprinted on the soul that it continues to guide and inspire even beyond one’s time on Earth. In my free time, I like to travel with my husband and our chihuahua, Kujo, discovering new places and creating new memories.

  
Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Lisa Oliveras: 

Q: What impact have you seen or experienced through Foundation-supported programs?

A: At The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, we’re committed to supporting the philanthropic endeavors of our Diocesan partners. Through our planned giving initiatives, we help donors and parishes discover the lasting impact of legacy giving. We also award grants, whether it’s through the Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle or directly from the Foundation, and offer permanent sources of funding through the creation of endowment funds.

The impact of these efforts has been truly inspiring. The Catholic Foundation recently provided a grant that enabled a Catholic school to make essential repairs before the start of the school year and assisted a ministry in Haiti in receiving funds from a planned gift, helping them rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Through initiatives like these, we fulfill our mission of managing charitable gifts to support the spiritual and corporal needs of our Diocesan community.

Q: Any organizations or causes you’re especially passionate about? 

A: I’m deeply passionate about helping people overcome the most difficult hardship of their lives. Whether it’s homelessness, food scarcity, or lack of healthcare, I believe in providing not just relief, but resources and tools to empower individuals to build the confidence to be self-sufficient and inspire others to do the same.

That’s why I have deep admiration for organizations such as Catholic Charities of Central Florida and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Their service embodies the love of God and makes them a living witness to Jesus’s mercy and grace.

  I also have a special place in my heart for helping animals and supporting our local animal shelters, which work tirelessly to ensure that every pet has a forever home.

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned about philanthropy since working here?

A: One thing I’ve learned about philanthropy at The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida is that faith and the well-being of their parish are profoundly essential to donors. Their parish has been with them through the most significant spiritual milestones of their lives. They have watched their children and grandchildren get baptized, receive the body and blood of Christ during their First Communion, be sealed with the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, and witness them enter a lifelong union at their weddings. Donors want to preserve these sacred moments and keep the legacy of their faith alive for their families. There are many meaningful ways to create a legacy. By establishing a planned gift or an endowment, donors ensure that their parish or ministry, which has shaped their relationship with God, will continue to thrive for future generations.

Q: Is there a program or initiative that’s especially meaningful to you?

A: A program that is especially meaningful to me is the Foundation’s grantmaking and donor-advised fund initiatives. Grants issued through The Catholic Foundation allow parishes, ministries, and schools to host fundraising events, provide scholarships to Catholic students, and receive transformative funding to support their missions. Grants through our Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle support nonprofit organizations that serve our communities, provide relief for lower-income families, those experiencing homelessness, and education for at-risk children and families.

The Foundation’s donor-advised fund program offers multiple benefits. Donors receive an immediate tax deduction after their first contribution and can recommend grants to benefit their parish, Catholic school, or favorite ministry over time. This giving can continue even after the donor passes away; they can name their fund as a beneficiary of their estate, allowing their family to continue recommending grants to the charities they care about. What makes The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida’s donor-advised fund program special is that each grantee organization is carefully vetted to ensure that donors are giving responsibly to organizations that align with their Catholic values.

Click here to learn more about the Catholic Foundation Team.