Foundation News

Building Hope with the Marian Foundation

Posted May 1, 2025 by Jean Spinosi

Rooted in the community of Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, the Marian Foundation has a legacy of compassion and service. Founded in 1954 by Reverend Raymond Bauschard, the Foundation primarily focused its giving in West Columbus and underserved areas of Central Ohio, concentrating on educational, religious, and charitable programs, especially smaller organizations that struggled for funding. Reverend William D. Huber later expanded the Foundation’s reach and impact.

In April 2025, the Foundation’s assets were entrusted to a new chapter: The Marian Foundation Endowment Fund in Honor of Reverend Raymond S. Bauschard and Reverend William D. Huber at The Catholic Foundation. This new fund continues the mission of providing financial support to organizations and programs that foster hope, strengthen families, and build vibrant communities. Special emphasis is placed on innovative projects that need seed funding, strongly favoring initiatives sponsored by Catholic or Christian organizations.

The Marian Foundation Endowment Fund remains closely connected to its roots, prioritizing support for organizations serving the west side of Columbus—bounded by the Scioto River, Trabue Road, and I-270—and upholding the founding vision of stewardship, compassion, and faith-driven service.  This Fund will be a permanent endowment fund with multiple permanent recipients.

The Marian Foundation Central Ohio Granting Fund will be a much smaller fund providing for one-time grants to recipients chosen by its advisory committee. The committee will accept small, one-time grant requests from nonprofit organizations in Central Ohio that serve people and families in need.

Give to The Marian Foundation Endowment Fund: https://catholic-foundation.org/giving/existing-funds/the-marian-foundation-endowment-fund-in-honor-of-rev-raymond-s-bauschard-rev-william-d-huber/

Give to The Marian Foundation Central Ohio Granting Fund: https://catholic-foundation.org/giving/existing-funds/the-marian-foundation-central-ohio-granting-fund/

Remembering Our Holy Father

Posted April 22, 2025 by Jean Spinosi

Pope Francis reminded us that true greatness is found in humility. By choosing simplicity, walking with the poor, and serving with compassion, he reflected the heart of Christ in a world longing for light. The Catholic Foundation and Catholics worldwide mourn Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

Please click here for a statement from Bishop Earl K. Fernandes: https://bit.ly/4cMoXZO

Optimize Your Complex Assets

Posted May 21, 2024 by Jean Spinosi

Our team has experience managing complex assets, including business interest, commercial and residential property, oil and gas interest, Crypto, retained life estate, sale of a business, and S Corp stocks. Utilizing complex assets for charitable giving could result in a tax deduction and amplify the impact on your favorite charity. Learn more about the different types of complex assets by visiting https://catholic-foundation.org/giving/#types-of-giving

Questions? Please contact Scott Hartman for more information on how you can use complex assets to maximize your charitable giving: shartman@catholic-foundation.org or 614-443-8893.

Cemetery with large green trees American flags.

Fund Spotlight: Catholic Cemeteries of Columbus

Posted July 11, 2023 by The Catholic Foundation of Ohio

Catholic Cemeteries of Columbus

The importance of a proper burial is stressed throughout the Gospel.  Showing compassion for others and treating everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve is at the heart of the corporate works of mercy, and our deceased loved ones are no different.  “Our cemeteries represent the tradition that accompanies burying the dead and their perpetual care until Christ returns,” says Deacon Jeffrey Fortkamp, Director of Catholic Cemeteries of Columbus.

The Catholic Cemeteries serves around 1,000 families each year by helping the faithful accept death in the context of our Catholic faith and provide a dignified burial and eternal resting spot. Mt. Calvary, St. Joseph, Resurrection, and Holy Cross’ daily operations, including the maintenance of the scenic grounds, are covered by an existing fund. Deacon Jeffrey wants to ensure these properties are protected from any unexpected, extraordinary expenses, which is the purpose of The St. Callistus Catholic Cemeteries of Columbus Perpetual Care Endowment Fund that was recently established at The Catholic Foundation.

The St. Callistus Fund will help with costs that, for example, are incurred outside of warranty work on fixing broken equipment, road repairs due to excess weather damage, and deteriorated buildings that result from age and harsh weather. “Knowing an unforeseen expense will be covered under The St. Callistus Fund gives me and my team the peace of mind to focus on what we do best, which is ministering to the faithful in their time of need and grief,” says Deacon Jeffery. 

Give to The St. Callistus Catholic Cemeteries of Columbus Perpetual Care Endowment Fund:

Give Now
Headshot of Loren Brown.

Loren Brown Recognized by Consortium of Catholic Foundations

Posted July 11, 2023 by The Catholic Foundation of Ohio

In June, Loren Brown, President & CEO of The Catholic Foundation, was recognized by the Consortium of Catholic Foundations for his service and leadership to this self-governing chief executive peer community.  Loren played a vital role in the original group of CEO’s who met in 2012 in San Jose, California to share strategies and help each other with the tools to effectively lead a Catholic foundation.  

This initial meeting in San Jose set the precedent with more CEO’s gathering annually to share best practices and help each other address crucial issues and opportunities.  In 2021, Loren was a part of a founders team that helped formalize the Consortium of Catholic Foundations and the annual CEO Symposium, which this past May hosted 34 chief executives from Catholic foundations across the nation. 

“It has been a privilege to work along-side so many dedicated leaders in our Catholic faith. Establishing the Consortium will continue to be a gift for many years to Catholic foundation leaders who want to have the greatest impact on the many needs in their respective Catholic communities.  I am blessed to be a part of the Consortium which has been a great resource to my leadership here in Columbus.”  

Throughout his tenure with the Consortium of Catholic Foundations, Loren displayed unwavering leadership and passion for his work and was always available to share his knowledge with other peer Foundation leaders.  Loren will continue to share his experiences and provide guidance as a newly minted member of the Steering Committee Emeritus Group and annual member of the Consortium. 

Child being handed a book from a woman in a classroom setting.
Stay In The Know

Sign up for updates on our impact in the Catholic community and learn ways you can make your philanthropy more effective.

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

“Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each must do as already determined, without sadness or compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 
2 Corinthians 9: 6-7

GIve Now