Building a Legacy of Faith: How The Catholic Foundation Keeps Giving Alive
- Guest Contributor
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Through endowments, wills, trusts and Donor-Advised Funds, Catholics across Northern Colorado are building a legacy that strengthens the Church’s mission — from parishes and schools to seminaries and ministries.
By Beth Chatterton
In 1998, Archbishop Charles Chaput established The Catholic Foundation with a clear mission: to professionally manage and safeguard the financial gifts of the faithful for the long-term benefit of the Church. Nearly three decades later, that mission continues to flourish, offering Catholics in Northern Colorado a meaningful way to support the Kingdom of God — now and for generations to come.
The Catholic Foundation invites donors to experience the joy of giving in a way that reflects their deepest values. Whether through endowments, wills, trusts, Donor-Advised Funds or general support, the Foundation helps individuals and families make gifts that keep giving — supporting parishes, schools, ministries and apostolates throughout the Archdiocese of Denver.
“We don’t leave this world with any of the financial gifts we’ve been given,” said one Foundation partner. “It’s our responsibility to ensure they continue to help others after we’re gone.”
Though legally distinct from the Archdiocese of Denver, The Catholic Foundation shares its heart and mission. Governed by a board of trustees composed primarily of lay leaders, the Foundation also includes Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila and Father Randy Dollins, archdiocesan vicar general, as ex officio members. This structure ensures both spiritual alignment and professional oversight.
The Foundation helps facilitate gifts that extend beyond a donor’s lifetime. It plants seeds of generosity, guiding Catholics in discerning how to tithe after passing in ways that are both spiritually meaningful and financially efficient for their families.
“We’re of like mind and spirit with the Archdiocese,” said Deacon Steve Stemper, president and CEO of the Foundation. “Our primary role is to provide long-term financial support for ministries and parishes, helping to advance the mission of the Church.”
Since its inception, The Catholic Foundation has distributed more than $235 million in grants to Catholic organizations. These funds have supported seminaries, the Augustine Institute, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) and hundreds of parishes and schools. Today, the Foundation manages over 490 Catholic funds, each tailored to the donor’s intent and aligned with the Church's teachings. Many of these funds continue to grow thanks to estate gifts and Donor-Advised Funds.
“We grow the dollars entrusted to us under the guidance of our investment committee and a professional investment firm,” Deacon Stemper said. “We follow a morally responsible investment policy that reflects Catholic values. It’s an honor to steward the treasures of the Church for the benefit of future generations.”
For many donors, giving through The Catholic Foundation brings peace of mind and spiritual fulfillment. It’s a way to live out the Gospel call to generosity and to leave a legacy rooted in faith.
“Planning is a gift we give to our family and our Church,” Deacon Stemper said. “It reveals our heart one more time — what matters most to us. The Foundation provides a means to bless those who come after us.”
The Foundation’s work is grounded in Scripture, particularly St. Paul’s exhortation in Galatians 6:10: “Let us do good to all, but especially to those who belong to the family of the faith.” This verse serves as a guiding light for the Foundation’s mission and for the donors who choose to give through it.
“We believe the greatest benefit of giving through the Foundation is knowing our gifts will be used responsibly and directed where we desire,” said one donor.
As The Catholic Foundation looks to the future, it remains committed to serving the faithful with integrity, transparency and a deep sense of mission.
“If we, the faithful, don’t leave a legacy gift for our parishes, schools and ministries — who will?” Deacon Stemper asked. “We look forward to continued growth with parishioners of the diocese and helping them give for the Kingdom of God — not only for their own spiritual journey, but for all those we serve.”
