Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: I am doing research on nonprofit organizations. Could you provide me with information on your programs and services?
A: Check out our Press Releases and News & Info for useful information. The National Service Center provides services to our member agencies nationwide who, in turn, offer services to their communities. These services vary from agency to agency. Contact your local Catholic Charities agency to obtain information on specific services it provides.
Q: How big is Catholic Charities?
A: The Catholic Charities network is made up of numerous independent, local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions across the nation. Their community-based programs and services provide help and create hope in need each year, regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds.
In 2000, Catholic Charities agencies touched the lives of more than nine million people through services such as adoptions, emergency food and shelter, day care, and refugee resettlement.
Overall, Catholic Charities agencies have about 51,000 paid staff (51,004) and more than 168,000 (168,548) volunteers-nearly four times as many as paid staff. Another 7,335 individuals serve as volunteer members of local boards.
The collective income for Catholic Charities agencies is $2.69 billion, with
expenditures of $2.58 billion.
Q: What is the National Service Center and what is its relationship to Catholic Charities agencies?
A: The National Service Center is a membership organization that provides leadership, training, and other resources to Catholic Charities agencies. Support from the National Service Center helps local agencies operate more efficiently and stay focused on serving their communities.
Q: Where do Catholic Charities agencies receive their funding?
In 2000, about 67 percent of funding for Catholic Charities agencies programs
comes from state, local, and federal government grants and contracts to provide
services such as day care or welfare-to-work programs. Another 14 percent of
Catholic Charities funding comes from private support-the church, donors, United
Way, and CFC funds. In addition, program fees (10%), investment income (6%),
and in-kind income (3%) support Catholic Charities agency programs.
Q: Has the need for different types of services provided by Catholic Charities agencies changed over time?
Catholic Charities agencies have seen a marked increase over time in the need for emergency food and shelter. Two decades ago, one out of four people who came to Catholic Charities needed emergency food and shelter. But starting in 1986, the number of people receiving the basics of food and shelter exceeded the number of recipients of social services. Today, more than half of the people helped by Catholic Charities need emergency services.
Q: Who is the organization's media contact?
A: For local Catholic Charities news and media contact information, please call or e-mail your local Catholic Charities agency.
The national service center's media contact is:
Shelley Borysiewicz
703-236-6218
sborysiewicz@catholiccharitiesusa.org
Donations
Q: What is the best way to donate funds to the National Service Center?
A: Donate Now provides instructions on different ways of making contributions to the National Service Center.
Q: I would like to donate my car to the Catholic Charities agency in my town. Could you provide me with information on how to donate vehicles?
A: Visit Donate Now for information on ways to give. You can also contact your local Catholic Charities agency for specific instructions.
Q: I would like to donate some used computers to a Catholic Charities agency. Can you tell me where to take them?
A: Visit Donate Now for information on ways to give. You can also contact your local Catholic Charities agency for specific instructions.
