History & Mission

In April 2008, after a year of planning, the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana, Inc. was established to assist the faithful of our diocese in accomplishing their stewardship objectives through planned giving.

Sixteen members of our diocese, along with Bishop Dale J. Melczek, researched foundations in other Catholic dioceses and finally established the Catholic Foundation as an independent, non-profit corporation to assist Catholics who want their gifts to have a lasting impact on their parishes, schools and diocesan ministries.

In November 2016, Bishop Donald J. Hying established The Mercy Fund endowment as a way to continue the legacy of Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy (2015-2016).  The annual earnings are awarded through competitive grants to organizations and institutions to perform Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.  The fund continues to grow and awarded 6 grants in 2018, 8 grants in 2019.  In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, the Mercy Fund provided grants to assist local food pantries and soup kitchens and bring immediate relief to hundreds of people in our service area.

Today, the Catholic Foundation holds more than $16 million in endowed assets to permanently support parish ministry, Catholic education, Catholic support services, and vocations.  Our foundation continues to grow as new funds are created every year.

We encourage donors to ask whether their employer provides marching gifts.  Gifts can be given as an outright gift, a memorial gift or bequest.  We accept stock donations.

Mission Statement

The Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana empowers people to express their faith by providing perpetual financial support for Diocesan ministries, parishes and schools.  Give today to serve Christ tomorrow.