A year of milestones
From our organizational launch in March to our inaugural Giving Day in December, the journey of our first year was marked by a series of meaningful milestones.
Organizational Launch
With $36.5M in seed funding from the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation (PFCF), The Catholic Initiative becomes an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its first flagship projects include: The Basilica of Sainte Anne de Detroit, Josephinum Academy, and bulldogCatholic.
$36.5M Seed Funding
Grassroots Outreach Begins in Southwest Detroit
CI is introduced to parishioners and diocesan leaders at the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Detroit through bilingual community events.
Pilot Project Announced: bulldogCatholic
CI advances its next transformational project with bulldogCatholic, a dynamic campus ministry led by Newman Center chaplain Fr. Mike Schmitz, at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Josephinum Academy Leverages $4.2M
“The Jo,” a historic Catholic high school for young women in Chicago receives $4.2M in donor gifts following its new partnership with CI. The school allocates $3M toward securing its property in collaboration with CI, utilizing the remaining $1.2M for school operations.
$4.2M in Gifts
Vatican-approved Funding Model Formally Implemented
For the first time, CI formally implements its Vatican-approved, lay-led funding model through long-term institutional support of the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Detroit (Detroit, MI) and the Josephinum Academy (Chicago, IL).
National Outreach Campaign Kicks Off
CI begins a series of nine in-person events nationwide to share its mission and compelling origin story, expanding awareness and donor engagement across the country.
Launch of Called Podcast
Fr. Mike Schmitz hosts the first episode of the Called podcast, produced by Ascension, reaching 146,000 listeners. The Catholic Initiative–sponsored series features stories of lives transformed by service.
146,000 Listeners
First $5M Gift Commitment Received
Motivated by the renewed optimism at The Basilica of Sainte Anne de Detroit as scaffolding surrounds the church, an inspired donor makes the first $5 million commitment to CI.
$5M Commitment
First Live Giving Day
CI hosts its inaugural Giving Day Livestream, raising $402K — a powerful demonstration of community generosity and mission momentum.
$402K RaisedHelp us build the next milestone
Our first year was only the beginning. Your gift carries the mission into its next chapter.
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