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12 HARTFORD BUSINE SS JOURNAL | 2025 BUSINE SS PROFILE S F ounded in 2016, the Connecticut Catholic Foundation is dedicat- ed to strengthening Catholic populations by stewarding resourc- es that support faith initiatives, transform lives and advance the work of the Church. To that end, the foundation's resources support Catholic schools, par- ishes, religious vocations and charities that serve those with the great- est needs. Over the last eight years, the foundation's grant program has awarded more than $22.6 million to activities and initiatives such as: • providing resources to parishes to nurture the next generation of Catholics. • strengthening the ability of Catholic social service providers to effec- tively respond to the neediest communities. • funding efforts to provide exceptional educational opportunities to all students, volunteers and parish leaders to reignite their faith. • supporting community partnerships and innovative programs that create long-lasting change, strengthen Catholic schools and parishes, and meet the evolving needs of the greater community. e foundation administers grants on a biannual basis and currently is supporting programs such as an Enfield overnight warming center for homeless individuals and infrastructure improvements and new equipment purchases like shelv- ing and refrigeration for local food pantries to help fight rising hunger and food insecurity in Connecticut. e next deadline for applications is Oct. 1 and more information is available at w w w.ctcatholicfounda- tion.org/grants. e foundation also works closely with the Archbishop of Hartford, the Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne, who is leading an effort to return Catholic education to Hartford and strengthen existing schools throughout New Haven, Hartford and Litchfield counties. While the foundation works to meet the needs of its community and its faith, it is also evolving to meet the changing needs of donors, who are seeking greater input in where their dollars are directed. To address changes in charitable giving strategies, Connecticut Cath- olic Foundation offers donor-advised funds, which allow individuals to Strengthening Faith, Building Legacies CCF CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC FOUNDATION ADDRESS: 467 BLOOMFIELD AVENUE BLOOMFIELD, C T 06002 WEBSITE: W W W.C TC ATHOLICFOUNDATION.ORG make tax-deductible contributions and distribute funds over time to faith-based organizations, along with several other options, to provide a range of choices for donors. Data from the National Philanthropic Trust shows that in 2023, charitable assets in all donor-advised funds accounts totaled $251.5 billion, marking a 9.9% increase from $229 billion in 2022. rough the generosity of foundation donors, significant work has been completed at the Cathedral of St. Joseph campus,including the creation of the Cathedral Community Center, which consists of Malta House of Care Medical Clinic and the Cathedral Food Pantry, both of which are open to all. Giving through the Connecticut Catholic Foundation fosters a sense of belonging to a faith-based philanthropic community. Equal- ly important, all investments meet Catholic ethical standards and, by pooling funds, maximize scale and offer savings on fees. And while there are a number of community foundations in the Greater Hartford area and across Connecticut doing great work, the Connecticut Catholic Foundation has a unique purpose – partner- ing with donors to align their giving strategies with Catholic social teachings, ensuring their legacies support causes consis- tent with their faith for genera- tions to come. More information on CCF's grant programs, agency en- dowments, donor services, and planned giving can be found at w w w.ctcatholicfounda- tion.org.