Grace Thompson
Catholic Charities USA is a national voluntary membership organization for Catholic Charities agencies across the United States and its territories. It is a member of Caritas Internationalis, an international federation of Catholic social service organizations. Catholic Charities USA has been involved in political debates since its inception, including advocating for various forms of public housing and supporting the Obama administration's efforts to address religious objections to some features of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. In 2016, Catholic Charities Bureau, the nonprofit charitable arm of a diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, sought an exemption from the state unemployment tax system, which it had been contributing to since the 1970s. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) unanimously ruled in 2025 that the organization was improperly discriminated against based on religion and should be exempt from the tax. This ruling recognized the religious nature of Catholic Charities' work and affirmed the First Amendment's guarantee of church autonomy. The organization's revenue primarily comes from government sources, with about $2.9 billion of its $4.7 billion revenue in 2010 originating from the US government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Annual spending from government sources | More than half a billion dollars |
| Annual spending from federal grants | More than $2.9 billion |
| Year of receiving highest revenue | 2010 |
| Total revenue in 2010 | $4.7 billion |
| Supreme Court's ruling on tax exemption | Ruled in favor of Catholic Charities |
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What You'll Learn
Catholic Charities' sources of funding
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is a national voluntary membership organization for Catholic Charities agencies across the United States and its territories. It was founded in 1910 as the National Conference of Catholic Charities (NCCC) and changed its name to CCUSA in 1986. The organization has a long history of providing social services and advocating for government activism. CCUSA is also a member of Caritas Internationalis, an international federation of Catholic social service organizations.
CCUSA has 167 member organizations nationwide, with nearly one per diocese. It is governed by a Board of Trustees, many of whom also lead local Catholic Charities agencies. In 2010, CCUSA had revenues of $4.7 billion, with $2.9 billion coming from the US government and $140 million from donations from diocesan churches. The remainder came from various sources, including in-kind contributions, investments, program fees, and community donations. CCUSA also receives funding through bequests, such as donations of property or real estate, and through fundraising events like the annual gala held by the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, which raised $2.4 million in 2017.
CCUSA uses about 89% of its revenue for program costs, supporting a wide range of social services. These include providing safe and affordable housing, with more than 38,000 permanent units for families, seniors, veterans, and others, as well as temporary and emergency housing. CCUSA also addresses food insecurity by providing healthy food options through food banks, schools, daycare centers, summer lunch programs, and other initiatives. The organization further supports vulnerable individuals, including those with disabilities and mental health issues, and works to reduce homelessness in cooperation with state and local governments.
In addition to its social services, CCUSA has been involved in political debates and advocacy. During the debate over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, CCUSA supported the Obama administration's efforts to address religious objections, while some diocesan branches participated in a lawsuit against provisions related to birth control insurance coverage. CCUSA has also endorsed policies such as the DREAM Act and taken positions on issues like same-sex marriage and gay adoption.
In terms of government funding, CCUSA has faced legal battles related to tax exemptions. In 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of CCUSA, stating that the organization's First Amendment rights were violated by the state of Wisconsin when it was denied a tax exemption. The Court agreed with CCUSA's argument that its charitable activities were motivated by religious beliefs and that it should not be penalized for helping people of all faiths.
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Government interference in Catholic Charities' operations
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is the national voluntary membership organization for Catholic Charities agencies across the United States and its territories. It is a member of Caritas Internationalis, an international federation of Catholic social service organizations. CCUSA is governed by a Board of Trustees, many of whom lead local Catholic Charities agencies across the country. There are 167 member organizations nationwide, nearly one per diocese.
CCUSA has a long history of receiving government funding. In 2010, Catholic Charities had revenues of $4.7 billion, $2.9 billion of which came from the US government. In 2013, the 501(c)(3) coordinating body, Catholic Charities USA, raised $24 million in contributions and grants. Two-thirds of Catholic Charities' annual spending comes from government sources (more than half a billion dollars of federal grants alone).
CCUSA has also been involved in political debates and advocacy since its inception. It has organized letter-writing campaigns for New Deal legislation and pushed for various forms of public housing. In the 1960s, the group further advocated for government activism. CCUSA supported the Obama administration's efforts to address religious objections to some features of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act implementation. It has also endorsed the DREAM Act and the Obama administration's deferral of action against some younger immigrants. CCUSA sponsors efforts to reduce homelessness in the United States, in cooperation with state and local governments.
However, CCUSA has also faced government interference in its operations, particularly regarding religious liberty and tax exemption. In a landmark case in 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled unanimously that a Catholic Charities chapter in Wisconsin was discriminated against based on religion when it was denied a tax exemption. The Court affirmed that the First Amendment protects religious institutions' right to define their internal governance structures without state interference. This case set a precedent for religious freedom and the government's role in accommodating religious beliefs.
In another instance, Catholic Charities of Boston faced government intervention regarding gay adoptions. In 2006, they sought an exemption from the state's non-discrimination statute to continue placing children with gay guardians, but their request was denied. As a result, Catholic Charities of Boston terminated its adoption work rather than comply with the state's mandate.
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Tax exemption case
In 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Catholic Charities in a tax exemption case. The Catholic Charities Bureau, a nonprofit charitable arm of a diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, had contributed to Wisconsin's unemployment tax system since the 1970s. In 2016, the nonprofit requested an exemption for four of its charitable programs. Wisconsin's top court denied this request, arguing that the group's activities were "'secular in nature'" and could be conducted by organizations with secular or religious motivations.
Catholic Charities appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the First Amendment prevents state governments from interfering in church decisions about structuring service entities. They asserted that their charitable work, which serves people regardless of their religion, is rooted in the church's teachings. The Trump administration supported Catholic Charities, stating that the state court misinterpreted the relevant statute.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Catholic Charities, finding that Wisconsin's tax decisions favored groups with more overtly religious tones in their daily work, violating the First Amendment. Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized the government's obligation to maintain "neutrality between religion and religion." The ruling could impact how states and the federal government consider tax exemptions for religiously affiliated organizations, including hospitals with religious connections.
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Catholic Charities' political involvement
In the United States, charities and churches are banned from engaging in political campaign activities. This ban was approved by Congress in 1954 as an amendment by Sen. Lyndon Johnson, prohibiting 501(c)(3) organizations, which include charities and churches, from engaging in any political campaigning. Over the years, Congress has strengthened this ban, with the most recent amendment in 1987 clarifying that the prohibition also includes statements opposing candidates. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforces these tax laws and has the authority to oversee tax-exempt organizations.
The US Supreme Court has also been involved in cases involving Catholic Charities and tax exemption. In one case, the Court ruled in favor of Catholic Charities, stating that the First Amendment protects all religious beliefs and that the government must maintain neutrality between religions. The Court found that Catholic Charities was unfairly denied an exemption as it does not proselytize or serve only Catholics through its charitable work.
Despite the ban on direct political campaign activity, charities can engage in a limited amount of lobbying and advocate for or against issues in the political arena. Organizations like OpenSecrets track money in US politics and its effects on elections and public policy. They provide data on campaign contributions and lobbying activities by various entities, including nonprofits and advocacy groups. While Catholic Charities has not reported any spending in the 2024 election cycle, its affiliates have contributed to members' presidential committees.
In summary, while Catholic Charities itself cannot contribute directly to political campaigns due to its 501(c)(3) status, it operates within the broader political landscape where lobbying and advocacy by nonprofits and other groups influence policy and public opinion.
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Catholic Charities' spending and allocation of funds
Catholic Charities USA is a nonprofit charitable organisation that provides services to people in need and advocates for justice in social structures. It was founded in 1910 and has a long history of working with parishes to care for the poor and vulnerable. The organisation's work is guided by the belief that every person is made in God's image and it aims to address people's economic, social, cultural, personal, and spiritual needs.
Catholic Charities USA's funding comes from various sources, including government grants, donations from diocesan churches, and community contributions. In 2010, the organisation reported revenues of $4.7 billion, with $2.9 billion coming from the US government. The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington also holds an annual fundraising gala, raising $2.4 million in 2017.
The organisation has faced some challenges regarding government funding in recent years. During the Second presidency of Donald Trump in 2025, Catholic Charities USA experienced a federal funding freeze due to its focus on immigrant affairs. Additionally, Catholic Charities has been involved in legal battles over its compliance with anti-discrimination laws regarding same-sex couples and their eligibility for adoption and foster care services.
Catholic Charities USA allocates its funds towards a range of priority areas. One of its key focuses is providing safe, decent, and affordable housing, with over 38,000 permanent units available for families, seniors, veterans, and others. They also offer temporary and emergency housing. Another important area is addressing food insecurity by providing healthy food options through food banks, pantries, schools, daycare centres, and community farms.
The organisation also emphasises the importance of caring for the whole person, including their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, to help individuals achieve their full potential. Catholic Charities USA has a presence across the nation, with agencies in various states, such as Southern Nevada and Central Florida, providing community services to people with disabilities and mental health issues.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Catholic Charities gets money from the government. In 2010, Catholic Charities had revenues of $4.7 billion, $2.9 billion of which came from the US government. In recent years, two-thirds of Catholic Charities' annual spending comes from government sources.
Catholic Charities uses about 89% of its revenue for program costs. The organization provides housing, food, and care for those in need.
No, Catholic Charities helps everyone, regardless of their faith. The group does not proselytize and provides services to people of all faiths.
Yes, Catholic Charities has been involved in legal cases regarding tax exemptions. In 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled that a Catholic Charities chapter in Wisconsin was discriminated against based on religion when it was denied a tax exemption. The Court found that the state had violated the group's First Amendment rights by interfering in its internal governance structures.
