October 2025 Newsletter
A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a tax-free transfer of money from an IRA to a qualified charity. QCDs can help IRA owners reduce their taxable income, avoid higher tax brackets, and meet their required minimum distributions. Click here to watch a short informative video. If you are a parish or school collaborating with us, be sure to utilize our Gift Planning Toolkit to assist you in promoting planned giving awareness.
The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas was thrilled to sponsor Donnelly College’s annual gala, Shine which raised over $1.3 million to support the college’s students and mission! It was an inspiring evening celebrating faith, education, and the transformative power of community generosity. Learn more about Donnelly College by visiting their website: www.donnelly.edu.
Each fall, the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas offers a grant program to support Catholic entities across the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, helping ensure fiscal integrity and promote long-term financial security. This year, we received a record number of applications—our largest ever—and are proud to announce 24 grant recipients! Congratulations to all of this year’s awardees, and thank you for your continued dedication to strengthening our Catholic community.
The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas (CFNEK) is hiring a Gift Planning Consultant to join our team. Learn more about the position and APPLY TODAY!: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3630737
This month, the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas partnered with St. Patrick Catholic Church in Osage City to host an educational Wills & Trusts Workshop, welcoming 24 parishioners. The session was led by Vince Cox, attorney and partner with Cavanaugh, Biggs & Lemon, P.A., who shared insights on the importance of planning for the future. Through educational workshops on estate planning and charitable giving strategies, CFNEK helps individuals create lasting legacies of faith. If you are interested in hosting a workshop at your parish, please contact us at 913-647-3062.
Derek Lyssy, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas, has a new article published by The Leaven on the importance of Catholic education and its lasting impact on our faith community. Click here to read the full story!
On October 4, the Didde Catholic Campus Center hosted its Annual Benefit Dinner, OKTOBERFEST 2025, to kick off the Fall 2025 Giving Campaign. The evening was a joyful celebration of faith, fellowship, and mission, bringing together generous donors, dedicated alumni, and supportive members of the community. The Catholic Foundation of Northeast Kansas was proud to be a key sponsor of the event. We are grateful to support the impactful ministry of the Didde Catholic Campus Center and its ongoing mission to serve college students in their faith journey.
We partnered with Santa Marta in Olathe to offer a Wills & Trusts - Creating Your Legacy workshop. Estate planning attorney Casey Connealy guided 32 residents and guests through essential topics including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and charitable planning strategies. Attendees also learned about two new charitable funds at Santa Marta: The Benevolence Care Fund, which supports residents who have outlived their resources, and the Santa Marta Quasi-Endowed Fund, established to strengthen the community for years to come. CFNEK is proud to equip Catholics with tools to plan well, reduce tax burdens, and create lasting impact for their loved ones and our Catholic communities.
Please join us on Thursday, November 6 at 12:00 PM for our Quarterly Investment Update Webinar! During this 30-minute webinar, we’ll review our investment portfolio performance, share insights on the economic outlook, and provide updates on exciting initiatives at the Catholic Foundation. Register now for this informative and engaging session!
Who: Individuals, Parish Finance Councils, School Finance Committees, Fund Trustees, Board Finance Committees, Current or Future Fundholders
What will be reviewed: CFNEK Investment Returns, Broad Market Update, Investment Allocation, CFNEK News
Why: Good stewardship of the funds entrusted to you
In October, members of the Catholic Advisors Network came together for a meaningful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and insight. Over lunch and networking, attendees enjoyed an engaging presentation on “Investing with Impact – Catholic Values Investing.” A heartfelt thank you to the professional advisors who joined us, to our speaker Chris Malmgren for sharing her expertise, and to Church of the Nativity for graciously hosting the event. We hope you’ll join us for our next Catholic Advisors Network gathering on November 19th! Click here for event details and to register.
The Catholic Fine Arts Council invites you to the annual St. Cecilia Celebration of the Sacred Liturgy with Archbishop Shawn McKnight at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, KS. We are thrilled to have the Holy Angels Choir sharing their gifts and talents in musical accompaniment during the Mass. Click here to register now. We look forward to seeing you there!
Event: Quarterly Investment Webinar
Date: November 6th, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Speakers: Chuck Maggiorotto & Derek Lyssy
Registration: Click Here, Free
Event: Tax Reducing Strategies for Pre-and Post-Retirees
Date: November 6th, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ottawa, KS
Speaker: Bill Eckert, AEP, CAP
Registration: Click Here, Free
Event: St. Cecilia Mass and Reception
Date: November 18th, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Holy Angels Catholic Church, Basehor KS
Registration: Click Here, Free
Event: Transforming Taxes into Generosity
Date: November 19th, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Mater Dei Catholic Church, Topeka, KS
Speaker: Bill Eckert, AEP, CAP
Registration: Click Here, Free