Responding to the critical financial challenges facing many Catholic institutions, the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation today announced the launch of The Catholic Initiative. This new nonprofit introduces a groundbreaking, Vatican-approved funding model designed to restore and permanently endow vibrant Catholic churches, schools, and parishes, ensuring their ministry for generations.
The first-of-its-kind model addresses the sustainability crisis that has led to the closure of thousands of parishes and schools. It works by transferring ownership of the physical buildings and campuses to a newly created nonprofit dedicated solely to their preservation. Crucially, through ironclad, 200-year leases, parishes and schools retain exclusive and permanent rights to use their sites for Catholic ministry and education. The Catholic Initiative then assumes responsibility for property restoration and maintenance. Subsequent fundraising focuses on building a permanent endowment to cover future capital needs, operations, repairs, and support for onsite clergy – safeguarding funds from being redirected.
This innovative approach frees priests, educators, and parish leaders from the constant burden of property management and capital fundraising, allowing them to focus entirely on their core mission of serving parishioners and students.
The Catholic Initiative is spearheaded by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, established by the late William J. Pulte – a devout Catholic, renowned builder, and philanthropist who donated hundreds of millions to Catholic causes. Guided by his belief in the inherent dignity of all persons and the ethos of “to whom much is given, much will be required,” the Foundation supports humanitarian work globally. The current generation of leadership sought to honor this legacy through an entrepreneurial philanthropic model ensuring sustainable impact.
“The Catholic Initiative embodies the Foundation’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to significant challenges,” said Kevin Doyle, Chief Operating Officer for the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and President of The Catholic Initiative. “We are pioneering a new way to invest in the long-term vitality of essential Catholic institutions, particularly in underserved communities. This model empowers religious leaders and educators by removing financial obstacles so they can fully dedicate themselves to their vital ministry.”
The need is significant: over the past three decades, the U.S. has seen over 2,000 Catholic school closures and roughly 2,600 parish closures, representing profound losses for communities. The Catholic Initiative aims to reverse this trend by providing stable, generational support.
The Initiative launches with three flagship projects:
- Basilica of Ste. Anne (Detroit, MI): Full restoration and endowment of the historic Basilica.
- Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart (Chicago, IL): Securing property ownership and establishing an endowment for Chicago’s oldest Catholic all-girls high school.
- Bulldog Catholic (Duluth, MN): Raising an endowment for the thriving campus ministry led by Fr. Mike Schmitz at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
(Two additional Midwest projects are in development).
This transformative vision has attracted prominent partners, including Fr. Mike Schmitz, host of the chart-topping podcasts Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year. Fr. Schmitz has joined The Catholic Initiative’s Board of Advisors.
“I was deeply inspired by the vision and innovation behind The Catholic Initiative,” said Fr. Schmitz. “This model isn’t just about financial support; it’s about unleashing the full potential of Catholic communities. Many are vibrant and alive with faith but lack the resources to thrive long-term. I felt called to be part of something that can truly transform the future of Catholic ministry and education.”
The Catholic Initiative is part of the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation’s broader “Legacy of Hope” Projects, developing creative, scalable philanthropic models for sustained community transformation.
“Our goal with The Catholic Initiative is to build a model that transforms lives for generations,” Doyle concluded. “We hope to shift the conversation from constant fundraising struggles to one of renewal, sustainability, and unwavering focus on community needs.”
SOURCE: The Catholic Initiative
