Our primary service is investing funds of others so that Catholic organizations and individuals have access to better returns than they may otherwise have all while investing with Catholic values in mind. Our fiscal year 2025 report showed 0% direct conflict of interest with Catholic values in all of the $42M in funds that we hold. 

We also bring value to local Southern Minnesota communities through helping to establish, manage and distribute endowments. The common ones you may have heard of are Seeds of Faith and the Passe scholarship. More info on those grants here. However, there are more than 100 other endowments we manage and distribute - all examples of where we have helped individuals establish a fund of their choosing to create their desired legacy and impact. 

Finally, we help those who invest with us by offering low or no cost services for planned giving (wills), and fundraising and marketing services. 

Yes! The Catholic Foundation of So MN is a fiduciary in its role providing stewardship over financial assets and is dedicated in working towards our investors’ best interests at all times. Additionally, our investment advisor, Concord Advisory Group, serves in a fiduciary capacity, as do other investment service providers utilized to manage assets.

Our current holdings total more than $41 million. The Foundation administers the following campaigns and appeals: Seeds of Faith, Catholic Ministries Appeal, Seminarian Education Fund, Hearts on Fire, Ann Loomis/Ann Loomis Cuddapah and parish capital campaigns. In addition to these fundraising efforts, the portfolio contains parish, school and cemetery endowments, as well as restricted and unrestricted gifts made by individual donors.

• Parishes
• Schools
• Cemeteries
• Seminarian Education
• Foreign Mission
• Higher Education Tuition Assistance
• Hispanic Education Tuition Assistance
• Catholic Education Tuition Assistance
• Faith Formation
• Clergy Formation
• Individual Charitable Trusts and Annuities
• And more!

Gifts of perpetuity will ensure the longevity of our Catholic Church throughout southern Minnesota. As more and more Catholics pray about and answer their call to stewardship, the list of supported causes will grow.

Here are several reasons why we can help you fulfill your stewardship calling:

• We practice Catholic Responsible Investing (CRI), an investment strategy designed specifically to help Catholic institutions pursue their missions by providing sound financial returns while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Church.
• We offer a higher return on investment than what most banks and CDs can offer.
• A gift made to CFSM is tax-deductible, as we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and in many cases, there is no capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated securities and/or property.
• You retain the flexibility to create a fund tailored to your charitable interests.
• We adhere to public accountability in our annual reports certified by independent auditors that our funds are being used for charitable purposes.
• Your funds are kept safe from legal actions against individual charities/organizations.
• You receive access to our professional network of financial and legal advisors for guidance on planned giving.
• You save costs on administration, investment management, and grant activities, since funds are combined into larger pools.
• You gain the satisfaction of knowing your charitable interests will be supported for generations to come.

Planned giving is a way for you to integrate your personal, financial and estate planning goals by making lifetime or testamentary charitable gifts. Some common types of planned gifts are:

• Bequest – a gift made through your will, trust or life insurance policy
• Charitable Gift Annuity – You make a gift of cash or property to us, and we agree to make fixed payments for one or two lives.
• Life Estate Reserved – You transfer your personal residence or farm to us and retain the right to use the property for your lifetime.

We will work closely with you to secure the Endowment option that meets your expectations. You can rest assured that you are in good hands with us as we provide you with investment and administrative services, stewardship and development assistance and planning, planned giving and access to Lumen Christi Society benefits, and greater exposure to the philanthropic community of southern Minnesota. Contact us today to schedule a presentation at your parish: 507.858.1275.

IRA Required Minimum Distribution

Impact your Catholic Community & benefit from an IRA required minimum distribution gift

If you are aged 70½ or older, you have the opportunity to save on taxes and make a charitable rollover gift from your IRA. With a direct transfer from your traditional IRA to a qualified charity, you satisfy your minimum required distribution for the year. IRA Charitable Rollover transfers are income tax-free.

IRA Charitable Rollover Fast Facts:

• You must be 70 ½ and older.

• Transfers must be made directly from the IRA to a qualified charity.

• Your taxable income can be reduced by up to $108,000, the maximum allowable.

• Only traditional IRA accounts are eligible. The IRA Charitable Rollover cannot be used with other retirement plans such as a 401(k), 403(b) or a SEP IRA.

• Transfers cannot be made to Donor-Advised Funds, Charitable Gift Annuities, or other life-income arrangements.

Contact your IRA administrator to begin this process. Please provide the following information:

The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota
750 Terrace Heights, Suite 105
Winona, MN 55987
Tax ID# 41-1691198

For gifts designated for the benefit of a specific endowment fund, parish, school, cemetery or field of interest please contact The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota