CCF-LA News | July 17, 2024 | |
Summer is a time to recharge, which includes a move for CCF-LA! | |
|
Kathy Anderson
President and Executive Director
| |
|
July marks the middle of a year, a time to look back and to look forward because there is still time to achieve yearly goals and those New Year’s resolutions made on January 1st.
Looking back, it’s important to acknowledge what has been accomplished in the first six months, including any bumps along the way, and to take credit for the progress made! Whether it was a personal goal or a business goal, this mid-year assessment can help us discover the path forward to reaching our year-end objectives. The summer months are also a time for recharging!
| | |
|
For CCF-LA, this summer begins a new chapter as we prepare to recharge our operations with a move to Glendale. The move has been in the works for many months, first looking for space in the greater LA area at a comparable operating cost, then considering the polls from our team on the choices available to relocate, and finally settling in on the financial district of Glendale for its business-friendly location, ease of commuting via many freeway choices, and safety features.
It’s a decision we did not make lightly. As we prepare to move at the end of July, the past few months have provided the opportunity to reassess how we operate and what we need. We purged, scanned, and re-organized ten years of operational data. Today, with scanning, electronic communications, and the cloud, we can eliminate unnecessary paper. It was a seriously responsible and monumental task!
As we begin this new chapter, our team is more committed than ever to meeting our annual 2024 objectives and our long-term mission to provide exceptional philanthropy management services for organizations and individuals in an environment driven by Catholic values.
I can’t leave this column without a nudge that it’s never too soon for tax planning and charitable giving for 2024. Call us if we can help.
| |
|
Client Services Update: A New Beginning in Glendale
Reflecting on the first six months of the year, our team has processed 36% more transactions compared to the same period last year. We’ve achieved a remarkable 47% increase in grants and a 27% rise in deposits, setting us on track for another record year, a testament to our commitment to supporting the needs of our community.
| |
L-R: Janette Paz, Tania Naaman & Agnes Faraon | |
|
The upcoming move to Glendale has given us the opportunity to reassess and streamline our operations. By purging unnecessary paperwork and embracing digital solutions, we are poised to serve our clients more effectively. This transition is not just about changing locations; it’s about renewing our dedication to providing exceptional philanthropy management services in alignment with Catholic values.
As we settle into our new office, we remain inspired by the impact of our work and are more committed than ever to achieving our 2024 objectives. Here’s to a successful second half of the year and continued growth in our mission!
| |
CCF-LA Set to Move to Glendale | |
|
We will be moving at the end of July. We are packing, purging,
e-filing and looking for ways to streamline the moving process.
Our new address will be:
330 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 640
Glendale, CA 91203
| |
|
While we are transitioning to our new location, please use the following post office box for any correspondence through mail:
Catholic Community Foundation of Los Angeles
P.O. Box 250007
Glendale, CA 91225
| |
Gina Lopez
Operations Manager
| | |
As we sort through ten years of files, supplies, wall hangings, office equipment, and memories, we know this is a time for a new chapter at CCF-LA. The Glendale offices have been designed with efficiency and teamwork in mind. We will be operating in about half the space we have now, but with more effective workstations, meeting space capability, and easier access to freeways. Being in the heart of Glendale’s financial district is a big plus for an organization like CCF-LA that manages charitable financial assets. | |
L-R: Selya Arvizu & William Cruz | |
|
The Development department has been reassessing and refining our strategies to gear up for the second half of the year, ensuring we reach our business goals. With growing interest from our local communities, we are experiencing an increase in the number of new charitable accounts being opened this year. Through our presence at deanery meetings and word-of-mouth from our clients, awareness of our mission has grown to levels not seen before in our ten-year history.
Client development is everyone’s job at CCF-LA. Operating in a team environment, it is not unusual to bring in the resources of our executive office, our finance team, and our client services team to generate and close transactions.
| | |
|
As a community foundation, we are looking to bring awareness and connect the greater Catholic community with many funds being opened by philanthropic individuals for the benefit of our Catholic-values-driven mission. Although the development team is on the front lines, it’s our entire CCF-LA team that remains committed to our core, longstanding CCF-LA values: building assets for our Church, providing new ways to give, and teaching philanthropy to multiple generations.
Join the CCFL-LA effort to spread the great joy of giving. Please call us if you know an individual or an organization that can benefit from our philanthropic management solutions. We welcome your referral.
| |
June Performance Financial Market Updates | |
|
The June 2024 Performance Report for the pooled funds managed by CCF-LA. For the month of June, the Balanced Pool portfolio returned +0.51% net of fees, bringing the YTD returns to +5.33%. The Intermediate Fund pool returned +1.01%, bringing the YTD returns to +3.68%, and the estimated annual yield on the Short-Term Investment Fund account is currently +5.29%.
| |
L-R: Barbara, Armando & Lilia | |
|
Stock markets rose further in June, led by US mega-cap names. The labor market remained resilient, inflation trended down but remained above-target, and the Fed kept rates on hold.
Our Finance Team is looking forward to the relocation to Glendale, where we will be in the heart of the financial district. In that location, it will be easier for our fund managers and financial advisors to meet with us. The new space is more efficiently designed for our financial operations and CCF-LA’s collaborative teamwork operating style. The Finance Team has also been managing the expenses for this move to make sure we are as neutral as possible.
| |
L-R: Alex, Rodrigo, Isaac & Kathleen | |
|
CALL Family Day!
Once again, the Chaves family hosted the CALL Family Day at their paddocks near Los Feliz on June 30. Rodrigo Gonzalez, national chair of CALL, was on hand to guide the events beginning with Mass on the grass—celebrated by Fr. Peter Saucedo, director of the Vocations Office for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles—followed by a barbecue, lots of competitive outdoor games, gambling without money, a hayride, and the bouncy house for the kiddies. Pictured here are Alex and Rodrigo with future CALL members, Isaac and Kathleen.
| | |
|
CCF-LA Visits the Cathedral
In July, CCF-LA permanent staff and five summer interns were treated to a tour of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels conducted uniquely by Br. Hilarion O’Connor, OSF. Br. Hilarion has an historical perspective since he was with Cardinal Mahony and his advisors, the architect, builders, and fundraisers before, during, and after the construction that began in 1999 and was completed in spring of 2002. Built to last for at least 500 or more years, the Cathedral enjoys a capacity exceeding 3,000 and includes a mausoleum and many areas devoted for prayer and sacred arts.
| |
| |
|
I’m Carlos Tobón, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Before seminary, I was a middle school teacher heavily involved in parish ministry and playing music.
In my time at CCF-LA, I have witnessed impressive teamwork and a deep motivation to serve the purpose of our foundation. This experience has been a great supplement to my seminary formation in preparing for the financial ins and outs of being a parish priest.
Blessings,
Carlos
Intern
| |  |
|
Working at CCF-LA has been a great opportunity to see the dedication, kindness, and zeal from the people of God in serving the community of Los Angeles. From the many hours the CCF-LA staff and volunteers put in, to the belief in the Church’s Mission to help those in need, interning at CCF-LA has been a privilege, a true gift as I prepare to serve Los Angeles, God willing, as a Deacon this Fall 2024.
Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you!
Peace,
Christian Morquecho
Intern
| | |
|
Growing up as the oldest of four boys, I developed a deep passion for children's education and a strong commitment to helping others. Currently, I am studying NGOs and Social Change at the University of Southern California. My time at CCF-LA has been an incredible learning opportunity, allowing me to develop skills in philanthropy that I hope to incorporate into my own organization someday. I am grateful to learn and grow under exceptional leadership here.
Sincerely,
Jack Longley
Intern
| |
|
Studying at UC Berkeley, I’ve developed a strong interest in finance management. While working alongside a dedicated team here at CCF-LA, I’ve witnessed exemplary leadership and client engagement, both of which I aspire to bring to future roles. After I complete my studies at Berkeley this fall, I am eager to apply a sociological framework to my professional contributions in finance and abroad, aiming to make positive social impacts at local levels, as CCF-LA has done.
Chris Nolan
Intern
| |
|
I am an incoming first year at Saint Mary’s College of California. Graduating from St. John Bosco High School, this is a completely new experience for me to be here at the foundation. Even with being the newest intern, everyone has been so welcoming and accepting of me. I can’t wait for what the future holds for me working here at the foundation.
Andrew Perez
Intern
| |
We thank our interns for their invaluable help this summer!
| |
|
A Farewell Lunch
As we are winding down the last of our staff luncheons in our main conference room, we had a great time celebrating the 4th of July! We’ve had many holidays and special occasions here. Many important meetings and decisions were made in this room that made CCF-LA who and what we are today.
| |
| |
|
Mission Statement
The Catholic Community Foundation of Los Angeles empowers charitable individuals and organizations across cultures and generations through professional philanthropy management solutions that allow clients to develop and sustain their philanthropy in support of Catholic values.
| | | | |
