Catholic Community Foundation fosters faith-based stewardship in the community for the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of all.
Encouraging faithful philanthropy
Dedicated to enriching the lives of others by encouraging faithful philanthropy, the Foundation supports the mission of the Diocese of Cleveland to provide for the spiritual, educational and charitable needs of people throughout Northeast Ohio.
Grantseeking guidance
The Catholic Community Foundation manages a number of grants and makes them available to Diocesan agencies, schools, parishes and programs and other faith-based or nonprofit organizations located within the Diocese of Cleveland.
Making a gift that will make a difference
There are several meaningful ways you can support the ministries of the Church in Northeast Ohio and help make a profound impact. Learn which giving opportunities are right for you and your financial situation. Every gift will make a difference!
Charlie and Sharon Snee have been parishioners at St. Christopher Parish in Rocky River their entire married life – over 40 years. Throughout that time, the parish has enriched their Catholic faith through their participation in parish ministries, such as Christ Renews His Parish, Pre-Cana, the Parish School and CYO sports.
When it comes to their generosity, Charlie and Sharon view the Church through a wider lens. “The reason we support the ministries of the Diocese is because we are the Church. It’s not like paying a bill. We give because we want to provide for all of us, for our grandchildren and for others, whether it is for Catholic Charities, Priestly Formation or Catholic Education,” says Charlie.
Charlie and Sharon have named their parish and Catholic Charities in their will, leaving a legacy that mirrors their priorities. Sharon’s heart for giving back started with her childhood in Pennsylvania where her father worked in a machine shop and the family struggled financially to care for her sister who had juvenile diabetes. “We depended on help from Knights of Columbus and the Lion’s Club when my dad was laid off and we still had needs for my sister, who passed away in 1976.” Sharon’s passion for helping others led her to a career in Pharmacy, in which she continues to work full time.
Charlie, who is retired from a career in the insurance industry, adds, “When I think of my parents and grandparents, I reflect on the faith they passed on to me. And, when I think of my children and grandchildren, my hope is that what I leave to the Church will help future generations.” The couple agrees that their planned gift is a way of communicating their faith and values. Charlies says, “I often think to myself ‘what would my dad’ do in this or that situation. Someday, my grandchildren may be asking, ‘what would Grandpa Snee do’; and more important, ‘what would Jesus want?’”
“Charles and I like to give because it is part of us as a couple. It is important to us to give to people who are less fortunate than us because we care,” says Sharon.
If you would like to leave a legacy of faith by naming Catholic Charities, Catholic Education, Priestly Formation, or another ministry or your parish in your Will, please contact us for a confidential conversation.
