About Endowed Gifts
An endowed gift is a lasting expression of faith, gratitude, and generosity. It allows you to provide ongoing support for a parish, Catholic school, ministry, or charitable cause that is close to your heart.
When you create a permanent endowment, your gift is invested, and a portion is distributed each year for the purpose you select. The remaining assets continue to be invested so that your generosity can serve others for generations to come.
An endowed fund may be established during your lifetime or funded through a gift in your will, trust, or beneficiary designation. You may name the fund in honor of your family, a loved one, or a special Catholic organization or ministry.
A special moment from our 2026 Endowment Distribution Ceremony, where we celebrated the lasting impact of faithful generosity by distributing more than $1 million in endowment funds to ministries throughout our Diocese.
Benefits
- Provide an ongoing source of support for the charitable purpose you choose
- Preserve your Catholic values and charitable intentions for future generations
- Honor your family, a loved one, or someone who has influenced your life
- Support a parish, Catholic school, seminarian education, priest retirement, Catholic Charities, or another ministry
- Allow family members, friends, and others to contribute to the fund in the future
- Entrust the administration and investment of your gift to the Catholic Foundation
- Create a legacy that continues beyond your lifetime
How It Works
- Choose What You Want to Support
Prayerfully consider the parish, Catholic school, ministry, or charitable cause you would like your endowment to benefit. - Determine the Purpose of Your Fund
Your endowment may support a specific program or area of ministry, or it may provide broader support for the organization you select. - Name Your Fund
A fund may carry your name, your family’s name, the name of someone you wish to honor or remember, or a name that reflects the purpose of the gift. - Establish or Plan Your Gift
You may create your endowment during your lifetime or arrange for it to be funded through your will, trust, retirement account, life insurance policy, or another planned gift. - Create Lasting Impact
The Catholic Foundation will document your charitable intentions, steward the fund, and make annual distributions in accordance with the fund agreement and the Foundation’s policies.
Ways to Fund an Endowment
An endowment may be created or supported through:
- Cash
- Stocks or appreciated securities
- A gift in your will or trust
- A beneficiary designation
- Retirement assets
- Life insurance
- Other assets accepted by the Catholic Foundation
Our team will work alongside you, your family, and your professional advisors to develop a plan that reflects your charitable goals.
Begin Now or Plan for the Future
An endowed fund may currently be established with a minimum of $10,000. Once the fund is established, anyone may make an additional gift in any amount.
You may also establish an endowment through your estate plan, allowing your gift to be funded after your lifetime.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Name: Sarah Adams
Title :Title: Charitable Gift Advisor
Phone: 985-850-3153
Email: sadams@htdiocese.org
Name: Amy Ponson
Title: CEO
Phone: 985-850-3116
Email: aponson@htdiocese.org
Name:
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More ways to make an impact
Gifts in a Will or Trust
Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will (for free!).
Beneficiary Designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
Stocks and Securities
Many people love donating stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.