Invest in a thriving and sustainable Catholic Church
The Catholic Initiative is renewing the family of God by investing in and partnering with vibrant, but under-resourced parishes and schools to restore sacred places, amplify ministries, and sustain them for generations.
A new model for lasting Catholic presence
2,600+ parishes and 2,000+ Catholic schools have closed in recent decades — not for lack of faith, but because they are cash-poor and burdened by aging facilities.
Our Vatican-approved purchase-leaseback structure transfers campus ownership to a dedicated nonprofit while guaranteeing the parish permanent, exclusive Catholic use for 200 years.
The problems we exist to solve
Current Initiatives
Each partnership is carefully selected for leadership alignment, community strength, and a clear path to long-term sustainability.
Preserving and endowing one of Chicago's most storied Catholic high schools — ensuring 94% women of color receive a life-changing education for generations to come.
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Restoring and Endowing Detroit's historic basilica — founded in 1701 — as a vibrant center of faith, formation, and community service for the next 200 years.
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Endowing Fr. Mike Schmitz's nationally transformative Newman Center at UMD — building a scalable model for Catholic youth engagement nationwide.
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Called with Father Mike Schmitz
Powerful stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives of service. Hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz in partnership with Ascension.
Each episode features real conversations with entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders who have answered God’s call.
Produced in partnership with Ascension
"The Catholic Initiative allows priests and religious leaders to focus on what drew them to their vocations in the first place."
Become part of something permanent
Your gift doesn't just fund a project — it purchases permanence. Every dollar restores a sacred place and protects it for generations of communities yet to come.
The Catholic Initiative is a 501(c)(3) organization.
All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
