Every Catholic has a Legacy. Let us help you discover yours.
The Mission of the Independent Catholic Foundation is to be a vehicle for the people of the Body of Christ to provide financially
for the ministries of His Church and ensure the continuation of His ministry for current and future generations.
“Separate from, but committed to, the Diocesan Church”
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – governed by a volunteer board of lay trustees – that is committed to the long-term financial strength and viability of Catholic parishes, schools, cemeteries and ministries in the eight-county Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
We welcome restricted charitable contributions for the benefit of the above-mentioned Catholic organizations. Such gifts become part of a permanent endowment’s principal – which we will never spend. As the principal grows through annual earnings, a percentage of the market value is made available for years, decades, centuries into the future.
Permanent Endowments are established with an irrevocable legal agreement that defines annual distribution restrictions. Please visit our Permanent Endowments web page to review specific endowment restrictions.
ICF Mission and Goals
Among its overall goals and objectives, the Independent Catholic Foundation is to: Provide a source through which donors can make living and testamentary gifts to benefit their charitable objectives and sustain the works of parishes, schools, agencies, ministries and outreach programs of the diocese and other Catholic entities supported by its donors.
How To Give
Donors to the Foundation may designate gifts in several ways:
* Unrestricted – The Foundation Board will direct funds where they are most needed including for endowments or grants for current expenses.
* Restricted to establish a new endowment fund – Individual, group or family gifts of $10,000 or more may be made to begin named endowments.
A Message from Our President & CEO
Thank you for visiting us today through our web site. We hope it helps you to become acquainted with the work and generosity of those who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life within the eight counties of the Diocesan Church of Altoona-Johnstown and beyond.
Foundation Newsletter
View or download our most recent Independent Catholic Foundation FOCUS Newsletter as well as previous issues.
New and Noteworthy
Ready To Distribute $1+ Million Again!
Despite a volatile investment cycle in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, the Board of Trustees of the Independent Catholic Foundation recently approved a 4.5% distribution rate for each of its 268 permanent endowments. This action will result in a record $1.3...
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We begin our fiscal year with news that Charity Navigator has awarded us its coveted 4-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator's award letter to us continues: "The nonprofit sector is...
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2019-20 IMPACT Grant Applications Now Available
Applications are now available for Impact Grants that we will award in September to eligible Catholic parishes, schools and service organizations within the diocese. The Grants Committee has decided to give priority to projects emphasizing Clergy/Lay Leadership...
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