15 Apr 70 Years of Faithful Giving: Inside The Catholic Foundation with Matt Kramer
Jeff Crilley sits down with Matt Kramer, President and CEO of The Catholic Foundation, to trace the organization's history from its founding in 1955 by Bishop Gorman and two Dallas businessmen to its record-breaking year in 2024. Kramer explains how the Foundation's unusual lay-led governance structure — independent from the Diocese — has helped it earn lasting trust with donors across the country. Under his leadership since 2013, annual grants have grown from roughly $5 million to over $32 million, with assets climbing from $120 million to nearly $370 million. The conversation covers how the Foundation distributed $1.55 million at a recent grant ceremony to 37 Catholic organizations in Dallas, funding everything from youth soccer fields in underserved neighborhoods to church security upgrades. The episode also features a moving scholarship speech by a Cristo Rey Dallas student who won the Foundation's annual Catholic high school essay competition, speaking before an audience of 1,100. Kramer emphasizes that you don't have to be Catholic to use the Foundation, and that the organization's greatest need is simply awareness.
Key Topics
- the founding of The Catholic Foundation in 1955
- lay-led governance independent from the Diocese
- record-breaking $52.25 million in contributions
- grant distribution to 900 organizations
- the Catholic high school scholarship essay competition
- legacy giving and donor stewardship
- community foundation open to non-Catholics
Episode Timestamps
- 01:19 – How Bishop Gorman gave up control of the money in 1955
- 02:23 – Why lay-led governance matters — independence from the Diocese
- 02:51 – The Foundation's mission: simplifying and amplifying charitable giving
- 03:49 – $32 million granted to 900 organizations last year
- 04:17 – Grant ceremony at the Cathedral Shrine downtown
- 05:16 – Record year: contributions nearly doubled to $52.25 million
- 05:50 – Asset growth from $120 million to $370 million under Kramer
- 08:06 – Scholarship winner's speech on Catholic education and hope
- 11:24 – The Bishop's complaint: Why do I have to follow these kids?
- 11:47 – You don't have to be Catholic to use the Catholic Foundation
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Episode Chapters
- 00:00 – Introduction
- 01:19 – Meet Matt Kramer, CEO of The Catholic Foundation
- 01:43 – Origins: Bishop Gorman and the 1955 Founding
- 02:49 – Mission: Serving Donors and the Community
- 03:48 – Impact: $32 Million in Grants Last Year
- 05:12 – Record-Breaking Growth in Contributions
- 05:46 – Matt's 13-Year Journey Leading the Foundation
- 06:14 – Catholic High School Scholarship Award
- 08:06 – Winning Essay: Catholic Education Means Hope
- 11:41 – Final Thoughts: Awareness, Trust, and Legacy