Billboards blanket the Twin Cities in November and December 2007 to promote "GiveWithFaith.org"

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN—The Lutheran, Jewish and Catholic Community Foundations have come together to form Give With Faith, an historic faith-based collaboration that seeks to raise awareness regarding the importance of faith-based philanthropy and its impact on local communities. The three foundations recently launched a Twin Cities-wide joint media campaign to educate the local community on how they can help Catholic, Jewish, Lutheran and inter-faith individuals and families pass on their faith and values to future generations through charitable giving. This is the first-of-its-kind joint effort among faith-based community foundations in the country.

A common website, www.GiveWithFaith.org, introduces visitors to philanthropy and planned giving opportunities. On the site, individuals can click on links to each of the faith-based foundations to learn more about giving opportunities and how they can make a difference.

The three foundations are working on other collaborations as well.  A joint professional advisors seminar, featuring keynote speaker Charles W. Collier, a senior philanthropic advisor at Harvard University and author of Wealth In Families, is planned for April 30, 2008, in Minneapolis. In the future, the collaboration partners seek to jointly address pressing community priorities through their grant-making processes, host educational and social events for donors and share best business practices, among other initiatives.   

Quotes from Foundation Leadership Regarding The Collaboration:  GiveWithFaith.org

“This idea has been in development since 2003,” said Marilou Eldred, President of the Catholic Community Foundation.  “We are delighted about this collaboration and its potential.  In a world of division, we are united in our mission to make a difference.  Together, we can inspire more people to support what matters most to them within their faith community and beyond.” 

“The story we tell collectively is bigger and more powerful,” said Chris Andersen, President of the Lutheran Community Foundation.  “We all engage donors in similar ways—manage permanent endowments and donor advised funds, offer planned giving vehicles and help donors leave a legacy—but we each have a unique audience.  This collaboration not only builds awareness of how individuals and families can give according to their specific faith and values, each gift helps build and strengthen our greater community.”

 “Most people are surprised to learn that our three relatively young foundations manage charitable assets worth nearly one-half billion dollars. But it is the impact of our grant-making that is truly impressive.  Thanks to our donors, we have collectively distributed nearly $150 million back into the community.  Our goal is to find others who want to ‘give with faith’ to ensure a better world for tomorrow,” said Sally Forbes Friedman, Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.

Foundation Facts For Give With Faith Collaboration:

Catholic Community Foundation

President:  Marilou Eldred 651-389-0870, eldredm@ccf-mn.org

Marketing Contact:  Carol Swanson 651-389-0878, swansonc@ccf-mn.org    

Website: www.catholiccommunityfoundation.org

The Catholic Community Foundation is the nation’s largest community foundation serving Catholic philanthropy.  We offer donors a means to establish permanent funds that will give families hope, nourish young minds and sustain our faith traditions for generations to come. Thanks to our generous donors, we distribute $6-8 million in grants each year to Catholic schools, parishes, seminaries and social service organizations.

MISSION:  To support financially the spiritual, educational and social needs in our Catholic community.  

GRANTS SINCE INCEPTION IN 1992:  $55 million 

ASSETS:  $198 million as of 10/31/07.

Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation

Jewish Community Foundation Director: Sally Forbes Friedman 952-417-2316, sfriedman@mplsfed.org

Marketing Contact: Lindsay Schultz 952-417-2338, lschultz@mplsfed.org

Website: www.jewishminnesota.org

The Jewish Community Foundation is the planned-giving and endowment department of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. It enables individuals and families to fulfill their personal philanthropic goals in important and meaningful ways. The Foundation and its donors provide funds for cultural, educational, humanitarian, health and social services for both the Jewish and general communities.

MISSION:  We build community, care for the welfare of Jews everywhere and maximize participation in Jewish life.

DISTRIBUTIONS IN THE PAST 7 YEARS:  $42.7 million

ASSETS:  $80 million as of 10/31/07. 

Lutheran Community Foundation

President:  Chris Andersen 612-844-4104, Chris.andersen@TheLCF.org

Marketing Contact:  Lori Anderson 612-844-4111, Lori.anderson@TheLCF.org

Website: www.TheLCF.org

The Lutheran Community Foundation works nationally to help people act on their values through charitable giving. The Foundation’s flexible giving options, professional services and community connections create giving solutions that match the donor’s personal interests and financial circumstances. Collectively, these donor gifts provide millions of dollars annually to charities serving our local, national and international community.

MISSION:  To serve our donors with integrity as together we change lives and spread joy by sharing our blessings with the world.

GRANTS SINCE INCEPTION IN 1995:  $42 million 

ASSETS:  Nearly $200 million as of 10/31/07.

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