Creating Generational Impact
Philanthropy is a powerful tool that goes beyond benefiting communities—it also serves as a cornerstone for instilling values and financial literacy in children. Effective philanthropy requires a blend of money management, organization, and impact awareness. It can reinforce the values of hard work, accountability, and strong communication. By involving children, even adult children, in philanthropy, families can help them build confidence, professional networks, develop cultural awareness, and foster stewardship. Sharing the reasons behind your own philanthropic endeavors and the joy derived from giving helps children grasp the core tenets of Catholic beliefs: sharing blessings, loving others as ourselves, and contributing to the Kingdom of God. Understanding personal values and the meaning of impact aids in targeting relevant organizations for support….
Faith-Filled Impact
Our communities have many needs, and the opportunity to make a difference are vast. So, how do we determine where to direct our generosity? Here is a simple acronym, FAITH, to guide you in making a faith-filled impact: F – Develop a FINANCIAL Budget To start, consider your household budget and how you can incorporate charitable giving into it. Engage with advisors who specialize in philanthropic planning to explore tax-wise opportunities. Also, think about utilizing non-cash assets to extend your household budget and amplify your charitable impact. For instance, if you’re 73 or older, you might consider using your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA for charitable giving. A – ALIGN Charities with Your Values Take time to define…
Easter Reflection
An Easter Reflection from our Board Member & Spiritual Advisor: Very Rev. Ivan Olmo, V. F. “The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” (Luke 24:7) Easter reminds us of the patient longing of our Heavenly Father and his deep desire for Holy Communion with his precious creation. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he willingly entered into his Passion so that the Father may more fully enter into our hearts and lives once again. Lent and Holy Week invite us to enter more deeply into the sorrow of Christ’s obedient, suffering love and the joy of his saving, redemptive grace that have gain for us our salvation. In fasting, we…
Lenten Pilgrimage – St. John’s Grotto
The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida was blessed to organize a Gathering in Gratitude Lenten Pilgrimage on March 22, 2024 on behalf of Bishop Noonan and The Foundation’s Board of Directors. This was a special gathering of those who have returned their blessings to the Lord as endowment fundholders and members of the Corpus Christi, Spes Christi, Vivos Christi, and St. Katharine Drexel Societies. Graciously hosted by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera, Bishop Noonan led the 50 attendees through the Stations of the Cross followed by a Lenten lunch, program and visit to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Donors were recognized for their generosity which provides education, faith formation and shelter to the homeless, food for…
Are We Prepared for Retirement?
Understanding the relationship between financial literacy and asset levels is a basis for us to be prepared in retirement so that we can take care of ourselves, our loved ones and the causes on our hearts. Older Americans only scored 31% on the 2023 Retirement Income Literacy Study from the American College of Financial Services. With increased longevity, a decrease of pension plans and retirement saving being voluntary there is an increased interest in retirement planning to determine a guaranteed income stream for retirement portfolios. The necessities include a basic understanding about investing, taxes, insurance and finances. Increasing knowledge is required to properly prepare for retirement. The study found that advisors play an ‘essential role’ in helping clients be prepared….
St. Peter Catholic School Angel Fund
The St. Peter Catholic School Angel Fund Charlotte Funston, Principal of St. Peter Catholic School in DeLand, knows that angels are walking amongst us here on earth. “We were truly blessed when two very kind, benevolent, and philanthropic angels walked into the school and told our receptionist, Miss Cookie, that they wanted to financially help the school,” Principal Funston shared. “We sat together in the conference room and got to know each other. They shared their philanthropic goals and their devotion as Catholics to the church and to helping others.” Through conversation on their interests and the needs of the school community, the generous donors (who have requested to remain anonymous) decided to create an endowment for St. Peter which…
Resolutions for Good
New Year Resolutions are a tradition of beginning or continuing good practices or changing or ceasing an undesired trait or behavior. Resolutions focused on our practice of charity can improve life for ourselves, our loved ones and for our communities. Here are a few tips for some charitable resolutions for 2024: Take your charity to prayer – Giving is not only about our treasure; there are many ways we can give to others.O However we offer it, our charity is about what is on our hearts. Our words, our actions and where we do place our treasure reflect what we value most. Recognizing that all we have is a blessing from God and returning those blessings to God through stewardship…
Get to Know Jannah Szeibert
The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida is a group of interworking teams which come together to achieve success for parishes, schools and other Catholic entities throughout the Diocese of Orlando. Here Jannah Szeibert of our Community Services team discusses her work with The Foundation: My husband’s job relocated us to Florida from California. It took me a little time to find the right job when we got here, and I really wanted to work for a Catholic organization. I was incredibly happy when I was called in for an interview, and when I met the Community Services team, I knew I was in the right place. The Community Services team works with parishes, schools, and entities in our diocese to…
St. Nicholas: 3rd Century Philanthropist
On December 6th, our liturgical calendar remembered St. Nicholas. He was born in Asia Minor (the area was Greek and today is the southern coast of Turkey). From a Dutch tradition with ‘Sinterklaas’ the secular world knows him as Santa Claus. Regardless of how you know him, his reputation includes generosity, care for those in need and love for children. Today, we could describe Nicholas as a next generation inheritor. His parents died when he was young during an epidemic and their wealth passed to him. Obviously, even with a young person, his parents had also passed on their values to him so that he would be prepared to receive this wealth and do good with it. He was a third…
Planned Giving Advisory Council Social Event
Eastern Deanery PGAC Social Planned Giving Advisory Council members from the Eastern Deanery met for an Advisor Social on March 14th at Stonewood Grill & Tavern, Daytona Beach. Vice President of Donor Services, Madelyn Weed, and Board Members, Fr. Matt Mello and Lori Tolland, enjoyed time with PGAC members serving the people of God in Volusia County. It was a great opportunity to for members network with fellow Catholic advisors and learn about additional resources available to them through The Catholic Foundation. Rollins Museum of Art PGAC Social Members of the Planned Giving Advisory Council gathered for an Advisor Social on November 30th at the Rollins Museum of Art in Winter Park. The group enjoyed refreshments and networking followed with a tour by the museum’s…