To Teach Who Christ Is campaign passes milestone, sets new one

The To Teach Who Christ Is campaign’s major gift effort has exceeded its $100 million goal, and Archbishop Cupich has now pledged to raise an additional $25 million.

Before his passing, Cardinal George had secured $90 million in leadership gifts from individuals and foundations for the $350 million capital and endowment campaign. Archbishop Cupich has continued his work, bringing the total to $100.6 million during his tenure.

“The generosity of individuals and foundations are nothing short of inspiring,” Archbishop Cupich said. “Gifts at this level give great credibility to our efforts, and I am confident this success will encourage all the faithful throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago.”

The new major gift goal of $125 million will translate into more funding for scholarships through the Catholic Education Scholarship Trust and for the other ministries funded by To Teach Who Christ Is, such as faith formation and critical facility issues in economically challenged parishes.

The campaign’s major gift effort has now received 37 major gifts, which are solicited by the archbishop and campaign volunteers instead of through parishes, reports Peter de Keratry, campaign manager.

“Each of these gifts is really a campaign unto themselves,” he said. “They are a great testament to the generosity of donors and the work of Cardinal George, Archbishop Cupich and others on the campaign team.”

Gifts to the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign established the Catholic Education Scholarship Trust, an independent trust that will provide scholarship to qualified students in Catholic schools throughout Cook and Lake counties. Endowments are also being established to provide funding for formation and certification of parish catechists, as well for the professional development of teachers and principals in Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools.

“The generosity of those who are able to contribute leadership gifts is helping to quickly build the principle for these newly established endowments,” de Keratry said. “The result is that more funds are available for scholarships and other ministries.”

To Teach Who Christ Is also includes a parish campaign effort, which has raised $56.8 million of its separate $250 million goal. All parishes in the archdiocese will participate in the campaign, and they will retain 60 percent of the funds they raise in their campaigns for local needs. The remaining 40 percent is shared with the archdiocese.

Parishes receive 100 percent of the amount raised over their archdiocesan-set goals, which has led many to embark on enhanced campaigns to meet greater local needs.

To date, 13 of the Wave III’s 29 parishes have exceeded their archdiocesan-set goals. Wave IV will kick off in July, and those 64 parishes have a combined goal of $40 million.