On May 3rd 2012, a reception was held to formally recognize the renaming of the Alive In Hope Foundation to the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens at a reception at Russo’s On the Bay in Queens, New York. The Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens was established with the funds raised during the 1996 Alive in Hope Capital Campaign. The subsequent foundation was established in 1998 and designed to enhance and sustain the mission of the Catholic Church in Brooklyn and Queens apart from the general operations and the contributions to the Diocese of Brooklyn.
In order to grow in its mission, the Foundation has become the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens. The Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens will continue to provide for the sick and elderly, support catholic education and minister to our growing immigrant population. It will also look for new ways to reach out to our youth. The Catholic Foundation of Brooklyn and Queens will encourage our kids and point them in the direction and encouragement of Christ when they need it most.
The reception allowed over 300 individual donors to be present for the official name change. On hand to speak about the bright new future of the foundation were: Bishop of Brooklyn Nicholas DiMarzio, PhD., D.D., Vicar for Development Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello, Chairman of the Board Mr. Joseph Geoghan and Director of Development Mr. Thomas O’Brien.
Thanks to the generosity of donors to the original campaign, $30 Million was used to form eight core endowments as permanent funding sources for the ministries of the Church in our communities. They are the following: The Archbishop Thomas E. Molloy Fund for the Care of Elderly Priests, the Bishop Francis J. Mugavero Fund for the Care of Senior Citizens, the Archbishop Bryan J. McEntegart Fund for Catholic Education, the St. Charles Borromeo Fund for Continuing Education for Clergy, the Bishop John Loughlin Fund for Evangelization & Religious Education, the Bishop Thomas V. Daily Fund for Immigration, the Blessed John Paul II Fund for Lay Leadership Formation and the Bishop Charles E. McDonnell Fund for Vocations. An additional 80 endowments serve the many other areas of Catholic life based on donors’ personal interest.
Since its inception the Catholic Foundation has given over $28 million in grants that have responded to human needs throughout Brooklyn and Queens. In 2011, The Catholic Foundation distributed $2,034,600 from its endowments and designated funds.
The Catholic Foundation manages endowment funds designed to meet the philanthropic goals of donors as well as the needs of Catholic communities throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn. The funds reflect the desire of people and organizations to perpetuate the ministries and good works in these communities.
Gifts to The Catholic Foundation are invested in permanent endowment funds or expended immediately in support of a particular Ministry at the discretion of the Donor. The Endowments and Designated Funds are used to provide critical financial support for programs that address social, economic, educational and spiritual needs throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn.
The Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens – investing in faith, serving people, changing lives, providing for the future!