MADISON — As 2020 comes to a close, the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation (CDMF) has a lot to be grateful for.
As of October 30, the foundation has reached $55 million in assets under management and expects to finish out the year strong.
Over the past year, more than $225,000 has been distributed to support the programs and operations of parishes and schools.In addition, over $60,000 has been granted to support Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and tuition assistance all throughout the diocese.
2020 successes
The end of 2020 also marks the close of the Priests for Our Future capital campaign.
Surpassing the initial goal of $30 million into the endowment, the fund has received $39 million to date, providing $1.2 million in distributions for the education and formation of our seminarians this past year, and over $4 million since its inception.
It has been inspiring to witness such a strong response to this important initiative, and we are immeasurably grateful to all of the donors and volunteers who have contributed to this effort over the past six years.
We are also thankful for our board of directors — they have offered valuable insights and guidance as we navigated the uncertainty and unpredictability of the last nine months.
The full board has met three times over Zoom, while individual committees have held almost a dozen virtual meetings.
Most recently, the board met on November 11 for its semi-annual meeting to review the last few months of activity.
Looking ahead to 2021, the board will switch to quarterly meetings in an effort to increase momentum moving forward.
It is an honor to live and work in a diocese that has continued to show such generosity and faithfulness, even during the turbulent times of a pandemic.
While we do not know what 2021 will bring, we continue to anchor our hope and faith in Jesus Christ.
Sneak peek of annual report
The CDMF’s 2019-2020 annual report will be mailed out in the new year and included with the Catholic Herald.
This year’s theme is focused on the new vision of the CDMF: “To ignite the joy of giving in every heart, every home, and every corner of the diocese.”
Stay tuned for more from the CDMF!
On behalf of the CDMF staff and board of directors, we want to wish you all a very joyful and blessed Advent and Christmas season!
May this time of prayer and penance be a fruitful preparation for the coming of our Lord.
Erin Kerns is the development coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation.