May 2025 Newsletter
Charitable Giving Strategies
Honor the memory of a loved one by opening a scholarship fund in their name with the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas. Your gift will provide students with the opportunity for education while creating a lasting tribute that reflects your loved one’s values. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate their legacy and make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Learn more about opening a scholarship fund at cfnek.org/new-scholarships.
Board Member Highlight
Cara Finger, 40 Under Forty
Congratulations to Cara Finger for being recognized as part of the 27th Class of 40 Under Forty! Cara serves on the board of directors for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas. As a board member, Cara also sits on the Foundation's marketing committee. Her faith is integral to who she is. She is an active participant in various ministries at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She is active with the New Wine Ministry and helps foster a supportive community for young families. Also, she helps with coordinating meals for families welcoming new babies, fostering children, navigating difficult times, or undergoing medical procedures with the Queen's Moms Group. We are extremely grateful to have Cara serving as a member of the board of directors for the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas.
Estate Planning Workshop: Catholic Charities
We had a great time teaming up with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas for an Estate Planning Workshop. A big thanks to Casey Connealy of Gaughan & Connealy for sharing how planning ahead can save on taxes and support causes you love.
"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago."
- Warren Buffett
Tax Smart Ways to Give
Luncheon with CEF
On May 8th, while setting up for our luncheon on “Tax Smart Ways to Give," word began to spread of white smoke at the Vatican. Our luncheon doubled as a watch party for the announcement of Pope Leo XIV! Thank you to everyone who attended, it was truly an amazing experience! We’re grateful for the engaging conversations, insightful questions, and shared commitment to making a difference through strategic giving. Special thanks to our speakers, as well as the Catholic Education Foundation, who helped make this event a success.
The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) has become a key source of education, support, and training that helps ensure the continuation of the mission of the parishes and organizations across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. To Catholic entities, we provide strategic tools and fund management to ensure fiscal integrity and promote long-term financial security. For our 2025 Grant Program, grants will be available to parishes, schools, ministries, and other Catholic entities within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, for purposes that align with the our mission to collaborate with these institutions to develop additional resources and support.
This year’s Grant Program application will open July 1, 2025, and we will accept applications through August 29, 2025.
Please join us on June 25, 2025 for our Grant Program Kick-Off Webinar, to learn about this year’s application process, qualification requirements, grant guidelines, and more! Visit cfnek.org/grants to learn more, and to register for the webinar.
Estate Planning Workshop
Good Shepherd
On May 7, 2025, Good Shepherd Catholic Church welcomed parishioners to a Wills and Trusts workshop, hosted in partnership with the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK). Attorney Casey Connealy of Gaughn & Connealy guided attendees through the essentials of estate planning—helping them protect loved ones, honor healthcare wishes, and support their parish through smart, faith-aligned planning. CFNEK is here to help Catholics plan with purpose and generosity. Bring a workshop to your parish! Call 913.647.3062 or visit www.cfnek.org.
The Bryan Gotham Memorial Scholarship Fund
The recipient of the Bryan Gotham Memorial Scholarship fund for 2025 is Brisa Hernandez. She is a part of the cheer team, the Academy of Finance, the Theological Reflections Mentor Program, and a member of the National Honor Society. Brisa also helps with community service projects around the school, like gardening, recycling, and also serves as an office aide. Congratulations to Brisa Hernandez and the Hernandez family! If you are interested in establishing a scholarship, the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas would love to connect with you and begin a conversation.
Wills & Trusts Workshop
Sacred Heart, Ottawa
On May 21, 2025, we partnered with Sacred Heart Catholic Church to host a Wills and Trusts workshop that drew an enthusiastic crowd of 50 attendees. Led by estate planning attorney Casey Connealy, the session offered practical guidance on preparing for the future, ensuring medical wishes are honored, loved ones are cared for, and parish and charitable support continues. CFNEK is proud to provide resources that help Catholics make informed decisions, reduce tax burdens, and create lasting impact through estate and charitable planning.
New Endowment Funds!
Congratulations to Immaculate Conception - Valley Falls on the establishment of their new parish and cemetery endowments! Due to the foresight of their pastor, Fr. William Dun-Dery, and parish finance council, Immaculate Conception has endowed future generations of the parish with a gift that will continue to provide for them forever. If the time is right for your parish to create an endowment, we would love to have a conversation with you.
Event: Wills and Trusts Workshop
Date: June 4th, 2025 | 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wathena, KS
Speaker: Casey Connealy, Estate Planning Attorney
Registration: Click Here, Free
Event: St. Thomas More Continuing Education Program
Date: June 6th, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Savior Pastoral Center, Kansas City, KS
Registration: Click Here, Free
Event: 2025 Grant Program Kick-Off Webinar
Date: June 25th, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Registration: Click Here, Free