The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh has been established

The Diocese of Raleigh has been blessed with robust growth in the number of Catholics moving to our area and with the opportunity to feed the spiritual needs of the faithful who call North Carolina “home.” In order to financially sustain and enhance our spiritual, charitable and educational ministries Bishop Zarama has determined that our present approach to development and financial stewardship should be realigned. To this end, a number of steps are being taken -- namely, the establishment of The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh (“The Foundation”).

The Foundation’s role in our diocese will be to cultivate endowed and major gifts for the long-term benefit of parishes, schools, programs and ministries by encouraging individuals and families to share some portion of the Lord’s financial blessings while providing effective and efficient management and distribution of invested funds.

The Foundation’s focus on both financial stability and growth in areas like seminarian support programs, parish land development and Catholic schools, will enable diocesan stewardship efforts to better provide direct support to parishes and pastors. Current development responsibilities in the diocese including Planned Giving and the Seminarian Partnership Program will now be operated through the Foundation. This new structure will allow for a broader range of giving services, including donor advised funds and charitable trusts. Remaining diocesan stewardship efforts, including the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, will be integrated within the diocesan Office of Evangelization and Discipleship. 

The Foundation will have a lay administrative board and financial controls in place to ensure proper fiscal and administrative management. The Foundation board is currently working with the diocesan Finance and Human Resources offices to put in place administrative functions, hire staff and procure office space to begin day-to-day operations.

These efforts are part of a broader focus of Bishop Zarama to help our diocesan long-term growth keep pace with the rapidly expanding Catholic population in Eastern North Carolina. In addition to providing greater transparency and lay leadership to development efforts on a broad scale, at the local level, they will reflect a renewed emphasis on engaging the faithful in a life of discipleship and helping parishioners experience stewardship as an expression of gratitude and love, which results from a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ.

Meet the New Board of The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh