Press Release: Catholic Charities DC Announces $100 Million Campaign to Sustain Its Mission of Serving the Poor

News Release — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

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Kate Kennedy

$99 million already pledged to Catholic Charities’ commitment to the community and legacy of social service 

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2021 — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington has raised more than $99 million toward its ambitious fundraising goal of $100 million to strengthen its work serving the poor, it was announced at the campaign’s public launch.

President and CEO Msgr. John J. Enzler made the announcement of the largest campaign in the history of Catholic Charities DC at a virtual gala on Saturday, March 13.

“$99 million. That’s unbelievable generosity,” Father Enzler said. “This effort began about two years ago and, when the pandemic hit us, our campaign came to a halt. But we kept at it and raised $7 million during one of the most challenging times in our history. That is a significant accomplishment.”

Money raised in the campaign — “Our Community. Our Commitment. Our Legacy.” — will allow Catholic Charities DC to sustain programs that positively impact almost 193,000 people a year and to plan for the future.

Campaign Chair Robert Trone issued an invitation to others to join the unprecedented effort. “It is fitting that the campaign is called ‘Our Community. Our Commitment. Our Legacy.’ as this very generous response allows Catholic Charities to sustain its work addressing serious societal issues like homelessness, hunger, mental health and unemployment. But many more donors will be needed to help us cross the finish line.”

Among those contributing to this historic effort is a group that is new to philanthropy — 101 young professionals who are contributing recurring, monthly donations of $83.33 — the monthly cost of feeding a person who is homeless a Cup of Joe breakfast. The commitment of the 83.33 Society represents a shift in the engagement of young professionals in philanthropy, from occasional donations to sustained support and lasting relationships. “These members of the 83.33 Society are the future of philanthropy in our community,” Father Enzler said.

Support of the campaign will allow Catholic Charities DC to continue important programming, add state-of-the-art services for newcomers to the community, and plan for the future. Contributions will go toward these three priorities:

• Commitment to Service Excellence — A $50 million investment in existing programs that address the basic needs of the poor, as well as build a foundation for stability and a pathway out of poverty. An additional $5 million will be used to integrate the new COMPASS program into the portfolio of care.

• Leaving a Legacy — A $30 million investment in the Catholic Charities endowment will double the endowment’s value and provide an immediate impact by supporting current operations and create a long-term outcome by increasing resources for programs.

• Our Community of Newcomers — $15 million will be invested in the launch of the first-of-its-kind Newcomer Network to improve the lives of thousands of vulnerable immigrants in the region.

Resources: For information about the “Our Community. Our Commitment. Our Legacy.” campaign, visit the campaign website. Check out a campaign report for details about the impact of giving. In a new video, donors across generations talk about why they support Catholic Charities DC.

About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington

Catholic Charities DC is the largest independent social services agency in the Metropolitan D.C. area. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Washington, Catholic Charities DC invests in communities by providing critical services to hundreds of thousands of people in need throughout the District of Columbia and Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland. The organization works tirelessly to give help that empowers and hope that lasts to those it serves regardless of background, belief or circumstance. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiesdc.org and follow us on social media @CCADW.