Faces of Philanthropy: Sarah Pinto 

Sarah Pinto 

Holy Family Catholic Church  

Director of Philanthropy 

My professional journey began with a call to service, a path I discovered early on as a university student working my first fundraising job as a Phonathon caller. For nearly a decade, I’ve worked in various roles within institutions, constantly learning how to better serve others. A key part of this work is hearing about the ministries our donors are passionate about supporting, as it offers a glimpse into what has shaped their lives and hearts. 

When I’m not working, I find joy in the performing arts; attending dance, theater, and concerts with my husband is a favorite pastime. I also have a passion for gardening and caring for my rescue animals. To unwind, I enjoy reading historical fiction, hiking, and kayaking—anything that allows me to be out in nature. 

Faces of Philanthropy Q & A with Sarah Pinto:  

Q: What led you to join the Catholic Foundation team? 

A: God led my family by the hand to Orlando. Without a community or knowledge of the area, but knowing I loved fundraising and our Church, applying to the Catholic Foundation team was a natural choice for work and a wonderful opportunity, both professionally and spiritually.  

Q: What is your philosophy on generosity or charity? 

A: Matthew 6:21 – “For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.” My philosophy on charity can be found in a quote from a friend: “Wealth places a magnifying glass over your heart. What you spend your treasure on reveals your true priorities.” Using generosity to reveal your love for Christ’s call is a beautiful aspect of our faith and is vital in our discipleship.  

Q: What excites you most about the Foundation’s work?  

A: I love that our work is so growth-oriented. Charitable investments aren’t just responsibly invested funds; they are a literal growing of God’s abundance. Just as Christ took a few fish and created an abundant meal, so do our everlasting funds, harvest funds, and donor-advised funds grow to spiritually and corporally nourish our Catholic ministries.  

Q: How does your faith inspire your work?  

A: There is a reason why love and charity are often interchanged between different translations of the Bible – because the reality is that charity is love in action. I am blessed to witness loving charity every day in my work through the generosity and impact of our donors.  

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

A: Our everlasting funds and legacy gifts. 

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

A: There is an opportunity for people of every age, social group, and income level to engage in philanthropy through creative giving vehicles. 

Q: If you could tell donors one thing, what would it be?  

A: To create an everlasting fund is to live forever through your loving generosity. 

Q: What is a common misconception people have about the Foundation?  

A: We do not reap any personal gain from discussing and supporting a donor’s philanthropy. As the saying goes, “there’s nothing in it for me.” Our role is purely advisory, not sales. 

Click here to learn more about the Catholic Foundation Team.  

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