Catholic Foundation of Maine Distributes More than $1 Million This Year

The Catholic Foundation of Maine (CFM) distributed more than $1 million in endowment dividends this year, providing welcome assistance to parishes, schools, and other religious organizations. The endowment grants benefit Catholic ministries and programs, including seminarian education, religious congregations, lay continuing education, Catholic Charities Maine, Hispanic ministry, music ministry, parish social ministry, pro-life initiatives, and more.

“This year, we are particularly excited about new endowments that will provide vital support to those who are struggling and continued support for students, teachers, deacons, vocations, as well as retreats and educational and spiritual development programs,” said Elizabeth Badger, executive director of the foundation.

“The Catholic Foundation of Maine provides an opportunity for the faithful to advance the mission of the Church through a legacy of sharing. Through the many endowments, we are serving one another in whatever way we can and becoming the disciples that Jesus calls us to be. The good works of the foundation also help recipients know of God’s care for them, so that they, too, might want to share their gifts with others and grow in appreciation of their faith,” said Bishop Robert Deeley.

Since its inception in 2003, CFM has provided more than $8.5 million through its annual distribution process. It currently manages more than 135 endowments and is happy to assist anyone interested in establishing a new one, perhaps in memory of a loved one or in support of a beloved ministry. You can also contribute to an existing endowment. A list can be found at www.catholicfoundationmaine.org. CFM accepts gifts of cash, checks, insurance, bequests, and property. You can also set up a charitable gift annuity, a type of planned giving that will ensure you have enough money to meet your needs while alive but then will transfer any remaining assets to CFM upon your death.

“Our objective is to encourage and assist people who wish to make present day, legacy, or planned gifts,” said Elizabeth. “I am so grateful for the generosity of God’s people in our state who have helped the foundation make a difference in the lives of many.”

For more information about CFM, contact Elizabeth at (207) 321-7820 or [email protected].