Strategic Purchase Ends 35 Years of Leasing, Reinforces Commitment to Catholic Causes
ALTOONA, PA – The Independent Catholic Foundation proudly announces the acquisition of the former Catholic Charities property at 1300 Twelfth Avenue in Altoona next to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. The Foundation will close for the week of February 23 to facilitate its relocation, ending decades of leasing office space throughout Blair County. The organization will reopen for business at its new headquarters on Monday, March 2 at 8:30 a.m.
“This strategic purchase demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our benefactors, endowment partners, and the Catholic community we serve,” said Chris Ringkamp, CEO of the Independent Catholic Foundation. “Establishing a permanent, highly visible home strengthens our ability to inspire more families and individuals to remember a cherished parish, cemetery, school or ministry through charitable gifts, estate plans or beneficiary designations.”
Founded in 1990 as a lay governed nonprofit, the Foundation provides perpetual financial support to Catholic charitable causes nationwide, with special emphasis on those located within the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Nearly 300 endowments release restricted annual grants for scholarships, cemetery care, parish operations, formation of seminarians and deacons, and several other good works. These endowments have been created by individuals, families, and agencies through extraordinary generosity – often through appreciated securities, donor-advised fund grants, IRA charitable distributions, beneficiary designations, bequests, charitable trusts and other planned gifts. Modest contributions made in memory of loved ones continue to sustain and grow many funds.
Ringkamp noted that contributors and endowment partners value the Foundation’s commitment to investing its $47 million endowment portfolio through a strategy consistent with the ethical, moral, and social teachings of the Catholic Church. Its investments promote the protection of life, human dignity, the common good, economic justice, and care for God’s creation while providing sustainable growth for Catholic ministries.
While the Foundation supports the missions of Catholic Charities and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul through endowment distributions, it funds do not provide direct assistance to individuals.
All correspondence should be mailed to the Independent Catholic Foundation, PO Box 31, Altoona, PA 16603-0031. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM and by appointment.
The phone number (814) 201-2080 and website (icfoundation.us) remain unchanged. The Independent Catholic Foundation invites the community to connect with us at our new location to build lasting Catholic legacies.
Please address all mail to our post office box:
Independent Catholic Foundation
PO Box 31
Altoona, PA 16603-0031
Our physical address is:
Independent Catholic Foundation
1300 Twelfth Avenue
Altoona, PA 16601
Our contact information remains the same:
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and by appointment.
Phone: (814) 201-2080
Fax: (814) 201-2092
Web: www.icfoundation.us
The parking lot located in the alley is available for visitors conducting business with the Foundation during regular business hours; at all other times, the spaces are reserved for trustees and employees displaying valid parking permits.
Chris Ringkamp, CEO: chris@icfoundation.us
Annette Wholaver, Finance Director: annette@icfoundation.us
Mary Jo Ludwig, Charitable Gift Advisor: maryjo@icfoundation.us
Each contribution to an endowment increases the annual grant to your most cherished Catholic cause. Find your favorite cause and consider a gift in honor or memory of a loved one by visiting our online catalog.
