Catholic lay foundation tops $100 million in annual giving

Published: 2008-02-22

DUBUQUE, Iowa (CNS) -- The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, a charity based in Kansas City, Kan., has exceeded $100 million in annual revenue for the first time. "The remarkable thing," said CEO Paco Wertin, "is that 90 percent of the donations are from small monthly gifts, averaging $25, from our 273,991 sponsors." The foundation is a lay Catholic, international sponsorship organization, connecting sponsors primarily in the United States with more than 317,000 children, youths and the aged in 25 developing countries worldwide. Through sponsors' monthly contributions, the sponsored members receive life-changing benefits and have more choices in their lives. In 2007, program support accounted for 94 percent of the organization's total expenses. The Christian Foundation for Children and Aging is the only major sponsorship organization to receive an A-plus rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy, and is one of only 45 charities nationwide to receive six consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator.

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