Joshua Bennett
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. The organization was founded in 1910 as the National Conference of Catholic Charities (NCCC) and changed its name to Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) in 1986. Catholic Charities agencies provide a range of services, including disaster relief, housing, food assistance, and support for vulnerable individuals. The organization's revenue comes from various sources, including government funding, diocesan churches, donations, and investments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total revenue | $4.7 billion in 2010 |
| Revenue from US government | $2.9 billion in 2010 |
| Revenue from donations from diocesan churches | $140 million in 2010 |
| Revenue from in-kind contributions, investments, program fees, and community donations | N/A |
| Number of local Catholic Charities agencies | 167 |
| Number of volunteers | 300,000 |
| Number of people helped annually | 375,000 |
| Types of services | Prenatal care, senior housing, emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counseling, and support |
| Types of donations accepted | Monetary, property, and real estate |
| Fundraising methods | Annual fundraising gala, donation pages, bequests |
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What You'll Learn
Catholic Charities USA's funding
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is a national voluntary membership organization for Catholic Charities agencies in the United States and its territories. It is a member of Caritas Internationalis, an international federation of Catholic social service organizations. CCUSA is the national office of 167 local Catholic Charities agencies nationwide.
CCUSA has a history of over 100 years, founded in 1910 as the National Conference of Catholic Charities (NCCC) and renamed Catholic Charities USA in 1986. The organization provides care and support to vulnerable people, including those living in poverty, the sick, the elderly, and the disabled.
CCUSA's funding comes from various sources, including government grants, donations from churches and individuals, bequests, and investments. In 2010, Catholic Charities had revenues of $4.7 billion, $2.9 billion of which came from the US government. About $140 million came from donations from diocesan churches, with the remainder from in-kind contributions, investments, program fees, and community donations. CCUSA also receives donations through fundraising events, such as the annual gala held by the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, which raised $2.4 million in 2017.
Local Catholic Charities agencies, such as Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, also have their funding sources. They receive donations from individuals and groups and, in some cases, government grants. These agencies are financially independent from the Catholic Church in their region, except when donors specifically designate their funds for the work of the local agency.
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Fundraising events
Charity Sales and Auctions
Charity sales and auctions are a great way to involve the entire community, not just the church congregation. Parishioners and community members can donate unwanted items, such as books, clothing, or artwork. These items can then be sold at a charity sale or auctioned off to the highest bidder. Combining this with a bake sale or a performance night can also boost revenue.
Raffles and Bingo
Raffles are another effective method to generate funds. Donors purchase tickets for a chance to win valuable prizes donated by community members or local businesses. While bingo and private lotteries may have legal restrictions under state law, Catholic Charities can usually host these events if certain conditions are met, such as using a portion of the proceeds for charitable purposes.
Mass Intentions and Weekly Offerings
Weekly offerings collected during Sunday mass are a traditional source of funds for Catholic Charities. These donations cover expenses such as utilities and salaries. Additionally, mass intentions, where individuals can request prayers or masses for specific intentions, can be another way to raise funds.
Creative and Interactive Events
Engaging the community with creative and interactive events can attract a wider audience. For example, a "Bail Out," where church leaders are "tied up" until a certain amount of "bail" money is raised, can appeal to younger participants. Worm races, where participants charm worms to the top of a pile in a set time, add an element of fun to outdoor festivals. These unique events foster a sense of community while raising funds.
Crowdfunding and Pledge Drives
With the advancements in technology, crowdfunding campaigns have become an effective tool for Catholic Charities. They can utilize crowdfunding platforms, such as DonorBox, to connect with their audience and explain their specific causes, forging an emotional connection with potential donors. Pledge drives, where donors commit to recurring donations, are another way to generate sustained support.
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Government funding
Catholic Charities USA is a significant recipient of government funding, which accounts for about two-thirds of its annual spending. In 2010, Catholic Charities had revenues of $4.7 billion, $2.9 billion of which came from the US government. The organization also receives grants from the federal government, amounting to more than half a billion dollars annually.
At the state level, Catholic Charities has a history of contracting with state governments to provide various social services. For example, Catholic Charities of Boston had a contract with the state's Department of Social Services and accepted state funds to support its adoption services program. Similarly, Catholic Charities in Illinois received public funds and was required to provide adoption and foster care services to same-sex couples, leading to the closure of most of its Illinois affiliates when the state declined to renew its contracts.
Catholic Charities has also been involved in legal cases regarding state taxes and religious exemptions. In 2025, the Supreme Court backed a Catholic Charities chapter in Wisconsin, allowing them to secure an exemption from certain state taxes. This decision expanded the circumstances under which taxpayer money may fund religious schools and activities. Additionally, forty-seven states and the federal government provide exemptions from unemployment taxes for religious organizations.
The organization's government funding has not been without controversy. During the Second presidency of Donald Trump, Catholic Charities USA received a federal funding freeze due to its focus on immigrant affairs and resettlement. Despite this, Catholic Charities continues to be a go-to partner for government and civic leaders, especially during times of increased need.
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Donations from diocesan churches
Catholic Charities USA is a national voluntary membership organization that consists of 167 local 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 agencies provide care and support to vulnerable people, including those in need of food, housing, and disaster relief. The agencies are committed to helping those in need, regardless of their faith, gender, race, or ethnicity.
In 2010, Catholic Charities had revenues of $4.7 billion, with about $140 million coming from donations from diocesan churches. This amounts to around 3% of their total revenue. Diocesan churches are an important source of funding for Catholic Charities, and these donations are crucial in supporting the organization's mission to help those in need.
The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington holds an annual fundraising gala, which raised $2.4 million in 2017. In addition to fundraising events, Catholic Charities also relies on donations from individuals, groups, and parishes. They encourage recurring gifts and bequests, as well as donations of property or real estate.
Catholic Charities also receives government funding due to its experience, scale, and values. However, government support for human services has been shrinking, and Catholic Charities has experienced a decline in government support over the years. Despite this, Catholic Charities remains committed to serving those in need and making a positive impact in the community.
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Community donations
Catholic Charities USA is a national voluntary membership organization for Catholic Charities agencies throughout the United States and its territories. It is a member of Caritas Internationalis, an international federation of Catholic social service organizations. Catholic Charities agencies are among the largest providers of safe, decent, and affordable housing, with more than 38,000 permanent housing units for families, seniors, veterans, and others, as well as temporary and emergency housing. They also provide healthy food options for those at risk of hunger through food banks, pantries, schools, and daycare centers.
The organization has a history of over 100 years of engaging with parishes and supporting their efforts to care for the poor and vulnerable. Catholic Charities agencies provide care for vulnerable people, responding to their economic, social, cultural, personal, and spiritual needs. They also have a rich history of engagement with dedicated volunteers, partnering with individuals, groups, and parishes to serve those in need.
Catholic Charities is financially independent from the Catholic Church in Chicago. They do not donate to the Archdiocese of Chicago and do not receive funds from them unless donors specifically designate their funds for their work. Their donor base is diverse and broad, representing a full range of faith backgrounds.
Catholic Charities uses about 89% of its revenue for program costs. In 2010, Catholic Charities had revenues of $4.7 billion, $2.9 billion of which came from the US government. About $140 million came from donations from diocesan churches, with the remainder coming from community donations, investments, program fees, and in-kind contributions.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic Charities makes money through donations, bequests, and government funding. They also receive funds from diocesan churches and community donations.
Catholic Charities uses about 89% of its revenue for program costs. They provide critical services such as emergency food, shelter, direct financial assistance, counselling, and support. They also provide housing for families, seniors, veterans, and others.
You can make a one-time or recurring gift to Catholic Charities through their donation page. You can also give property or real estate.
