The Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation was created in 1992 to insure the financial stability of ministries within the Diocese of Rapid City.
Since 1992, the mission has remained the same for 27 years, to promote and strengthen the Catholic Church by providing people an opportunity to contribute to a permanent endowment fund, and make other types of gifts that will provide financial resources for meeting the spiritual needs of future generations of Catholics. In addition to restricted endowment funds, an unrestricted gift to the foundation provides the flexibility to offer financial assistance wherever the need is greatest.
The foundation is primarily the project of laity and it was encouraged by then Bishop Charles J. Chaput. The original fundraising phase was immediately started by the newly formed organization with an original goal of $4 million.Due to the generosity of its donors, the foundation has grown to $20 million. Over $700,000, or one-third of the annual diocesan budget, comes from the foundation and charitable organizations from outside of South Dakota.
The foundation supports many ministries the Diocese of Rapid City including Catholic Social Services, Red Cloud Indian School, Rapid City Catholic Schools, Terra Sancta Retreat Center, Seminarian Education, Sioux Spiritual Center, St Francis Mission, Standing Rock Ministries, St Vincent de Paul Society and Priest retirement.
A painless way to support the Western South Dakota Catholic Foundation and the Church in spreading Christ’s gospel is to remember His will in yours!
For information about making a bequest in your will, creating a charitable trust agreement, purchasing a gift annuity, joining the Catholic Heritage Society, or attending an estate planning seminar, contact Paul Quin at (605) 721-6843 or pjquin@wsdcf.org