About the CCFESD
The Joy of Giving
Our Vision
Our “Why”
To provide a “Future Full of Hope” for the people of eastern South Dakota and beyond.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Our Vision
Our “Why”
To provide a “Future Full of Hope” for the people of eastern South Dakota and beyond.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Our Mission
Our What
Helping people grow deeper in love with Christ by sharing their gifts in gratitude to God.
Our How
We raise, manage and distribute God’s gifts to donor-directed ministries.
Our Core Values
Living Faith in Ministry
- We are faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- We believe that all we are, have and will be is a gift from God.
- We believe our work is ministry, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Exercising Responsibility
- We believe in responsible stewardship.
- We affirm good judgement and integrity through honesty and transparency.
- We have fiscally responsible investment and distribution policies that adhere to Catholic values.
Achieving Excellence
- We partner with parishes, priests and donors to strengthen ministries.
- We distribute God’s gifts to donor-directed ministries.
- We strive to build a “future full of hope” by endowing the ministries of the Catholic church that:
- Develop lifelong Catholic missionary disciples through God’s love.
- Support healthy, happy, holy priests and people.
Our History & Purpose
Over thirty years ago, Bishop Paul Dudley, along with 20 clergy and lay leaders, gathered in Huron, South Dakota to establish what is now the Catholic Community Foundation for Eastern South Dakota. The Bishop’s Bulletin quoted Bishop Dudley: “It is my hope and prayer that the basic needs of our diocese can be guaranteed in perpetuity through such a foundation.” He further explained that the foundation was created to provide “ongoing, perpetual support for the needs we have now, and the needs that will surface in the future.”
What began with $200,000 has grown into a thriving foundation managing more than $150 million today—a testament to Bishop Dudley’s vision and the faithful generosity of our donors. We are deeply grateful for the privilege and profound responsibility of continuing this mission.
The Catholic Community Foundation remains committed to Catholic teachings, ensuring that all investments, distributions, and grants are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church. We are dedicated to upholding the integrity of donors’ legacies, ensuring their support for the ministries they care about most follows their values and wishes—today and for generations to come.
