Press Contact:
Rafael Gerena
407.246.4888
rgerena@cfocf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More than $2 million donated this year to improve life throughout Central Florida
Orlando, FL – December 18, 2019
By partnering with generous donors, The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida will distribute a record of more than $2 million this year, providing resources to improve the quality of life for thousands of children, youth, adults, families and vulnerable populations throughout the region.
More than $710,000 supports Catholic School tuition assistance for the needy, which provides quality education to underserved students. Catholic schools serve all students regardless of religion, race, gender or disability. This year, the second largest amount of funding was for parish support. This covers unexpected and population-growth related costs such as renovations, campus maintenance and parish ministries that provide outreach services in their communities.
“We are honored to serve our Central Florida community by prudently investing for increase resources entrusted to us to address community needs,” said Kimberlee Riley, The Catholic Foundation’s President & CEO.
This year, The Catholic Foundation will disburse more than $250,000 to Catholic Charities and parish-based ministries across Central Florida, which will provide a host of services, including housing, food, medical and mental-health assistance available to the community’s poor and vulnerable populations.
To assist students during their formative college years, The Catholic Foundation this year is distributing more than $56,000 to Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Central Florida. The ministry, which is open to all students, including those attending Seminole State College, Valencia College, and Full Sail University, fosters spiritual development, lifelong friendship and fellowship. The ministry builds community through a series of campus events, including Mass, talks, sports, games, meal-sharing and volunteer opportunities.
Meanwhile, The Catholic Foundation this year is distributing more than $14,000 to Bishop Grady Villas, which provides residential, vocational and employment support for people with disabilities in Central Florida. This assistance empowers residents to reach their full potential through Christ-centered, personalized and holistic services and community support.
Throughout the years, The Catholic Foundation has made a lasting philanthropic impact in Central Florida: It now oversees more than $56 million in investments that are managed for growth and to respect Catholic social teaching. As a result of these investments, The Foundation has distributed more than $12 million in the past seven years to strengthen parish, faith and community life throughout Central Florida. This includes serving victims of natural disasters, such as those who suffered from Hurricane Maria in 2017.
ABOUT THE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA:
The Catholic Foundation inspires giving to fund God’s work throughout the Diocese of Orlando’s nine-county area. Established in 2008, The Catholic Foundation is an independent, nonprofit foundation that has worked with donors and pastors to support our community. Its assets of more than $56 million in investments are managed for growth and to respect Catholic social teaching. We help individuals and organizations engage in philanthropy in a faith-filled way through socially screened investment options. These resources have built new and expanded churches and community centers to grow faith life in the Diocese as well as prepare seminarians for the priesthood and support retired priests. Additionally, these funds support education, health, housing and food assistance addressing community needs throughout Central Florida.
For more information, contact: Rafael Gerena, Director of Communications, at rgerena@cfocf.org or 407.246.4888