Growing Your Stewardship Grants
2024 International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) Conference Scholarships The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida is blessed to distribute four Growing Your Stewardship grants to staff and leaders in the Diocese of Orlando. This grant assists in alleviating the costs of their attendance in the 2024 International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC) Conference. This years grant recipients are: Our Endowment Fund finances these grants every year. The grant covers the registration fee for the Conference and distributes one thousand dollars for flights, hotels, or meal plans. The ICSC Conference features an abundance of networking opportunities and 80 stewardship related sessions. The Conference sessions discuss topics ranging from “How to Increase Mass Attendance” to “Engaging High Capacity Givers.” The purpose of each session…
The Concord Advisory Group, Ltd.: June 2024 Market Highlights
The Foundation utilizes Concord Advisory Group as our trusted partner for investment management services. The Foundation’s investment programs serve organizations to provide annual income and financial wellness as well as individual donors to meet their philanthropic aspirations and legacy goals. Concord is an Investment Advisory Group with a strong focus in religious-based non-for-profit services providing strategic advice to staff, investment committee and board members to improve the results of our investment services. The Foundation’s investment services include endowment funds, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), and two time-horizon based reserve funds each with their own targeted performance strategy. Concord has more than 30 years of experience assisting partners manage the balance between spending policy and corpus growth while navigating the challenging factors…
One of Our Board Members Starts New Position at the Diocese
Dr. Erika Wikstrom Starts News Position as the Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Education at the Diocese Join us in congratulating Dr. Erika Wikstrom in her new position as Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Education at the Diocese. Dr. Wikstrom is one of our Board of Directors here at the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida (CFOCF) and an Executive Board Member of the Women’s Philanthropic Giving Circle (WPGC). Previously, she was the Principal at Bishop Moore Catholic High School where she led her students through the pandemic. During her time at Bishop Moore, she increased enrollment, strengthened academics, and launched new programs. We are confident that her dedication and vision will continue to enrich our community and enhance the…
Wendy Mara
Our PGAC Member Join the Lawyers of Distinction Join us in congratulating Wendy Mara for being chosen to join the prestigious national organization, Lawyers of Distinction. This organization recognizes attorneys who exemplify excellence in their legal practice. Wendy is a member of our Planned Giving Advisory Council (PGAC), a group of experts specialized in gift and estate planning. Her commitment to both her profession and philanthropic endeavors make her a standout member in our community. Thank you Wendy for your unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions to our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Click here if you would like to learn more about our Planned Giving Advisory Council.
Important Message from Bishop Noonan
My Sisters and Brothers in Christ, May the Peace of Christ be with you! Today, I share with you some important news. After consultation with key leadership of the Diocese of Orlando and The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, Inc., plans are underway to analyze and evaluate the current components of our collaborative efforts toward fundraising and stewardship. Since its founding in 2008, the Foundation has managed Community Services to include Our Catholic Appeal, Capital Campaigns and Offertory Enhancement. The Foundation also oversees Investment & Asset Management and Donor Services including Planned Giving. We are pleased at the tremendous growth and achievements of the Foundation, which continues to support our parishes, schools, and diocesan ministries. As a result of this…
Meet The New Members of Our Planned Giving Advisory Council
Join us in welcoming Elizabeth Oros and Paula Yamakaitis to our Planned Giving Advisory Council (PGAC). The Council consists of skilled charitable gift and estate planning professionals committed to The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida’s mission. They provide educational and networking opportunities to help clients realize and enhance their philanthropic impact. Get to know Elizabeth and Paula below. Elizabeth Oros Parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus – Financial Advisor, Edward Jones As a financial advisor, Elizabeth enjoys developing long-term relationships centered around building and organizing wealth, living generously and leaving a legacy. In 2008, she joined Edward Jones as a financial advisor, and has spent the past 16 years dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals and dreams. She…
The Concord Advisory Group, Ltd: May 2024 Market Highlights
The Foundation utilizes Concord Advisory Group as our trusted partner for investment management services. The Foundation’s investment programs serve organizations to provide annual income and financial wellness as well as individual donors to meet their philanthropic aspirations and legacy goals. Concord is an Investment Advisory Group with a strong focus in religious-based non-for-profit services providing strategic advice to staff, investment committee and board members to improve the results of our investment services. The Foundation’s investment services include endowment funds, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), and two time-horizon based reserve funds each with their own targeted performance strategy. Concord has more than 30 years of experience assisting partners manage the balance between spending policy and corpus growth while navigating the challenging factors…
Welcome To The Team: Ari Picos
Ari Picos started at the Catholic Foundation in April and has taken on the Community Services Coordinator position. Ari is responsible for many essential projects that are managed by the Catholic Foundation such as offertory programs, capital campaigns, and Our Catholic Appeal. Below Ari shares a little bit about her life to introduce herself to our loyal patrons. Join us in welcoming Ari Picos to the Foundation team! Tell me about yourself. Where are you from and can you tell me a bit about your background and what brought you to the Foundation? “I was born and raised in Cuba, in a small fishing village called Cojímar. Despite the many limitations on the island, my childhood remains one of my…
Join Us in Celebrating Our Team Members CAP ® Designation
The Catholic Foundation, with our trusted partners for the Central Florida CAP® Study Group, hosted a breakfast at the Edyth Bush Institute in honor of the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP ®) graduates of 2024. The American College of Financial Services grants the CAP ® designation to those who complete the three graduate courses. The various courses provided professional advanced training in the best practices regarding estate planning, charitable tax strategies, legacy planning, and much more. The study group cohort brings together multi-sectors and multi-disciplines which can support donors in maximizing their philanthropic impact. We are blessed to announce two of our team members received their CAP® designations this year, Nia Herald CAP®, CEP, VP-Chief Financial Officer, and Sarah Pinto…
Fr. Saldanha Shares His Experience Using Our Offertory Programs
Our Offertory Enhancement Recovery and Restoration Initiative and Online Giving Campaign programs support deepening faith and stewardship to help parishes with their day to day expenses. “I am very pleased with the overall results of the ORRI+OGC [Offertory Recovery and Restoration Initiative and Online Giving Campaign programs] at St. Thomas Aquinas (St. Cloud) which was done with the assistance of The Catholic Foundation. Overall, there was an increase of 21% in the offertory and a 30% increase in the number of people giving online. This has led to an increase in our weekly collection. The [offertory programs] brought awareness to our community about the importance of stewardship and tithing. The [programs] shared the message that stewardship involves time, talent,…