More than $100 million is raised to sustain a mission of serving the poor
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2021 — Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington has exceeded its
ambitious fundraising goal of $100 million in a campaign that will allow the social services agency to
strengthen its current work and plan for the future.
President and CEO Msgr. John J. Enzler made the announcement at a reception for leading donors. “The
response to this campaign has been truly extraordinary — particularly as it took place during a pandemic
when many of us wondered about the state and future of the economy,” he said.
Msgr. Enzler extended his thanks to a group of dedicated supporters who led the “Our Community. Our
Commitment. Our Legacy.” campaign, members of Catholic Charities Board of Directors and the
hundreds of individuals and organizations who made gifts.
“Without you, we could not say ‘Yes’ to the 235,000 people who come to us each year for help
and hope,” he said. “Without you, we could not ensure a legacy of service and the sustainability
of Catholic Charities.”
More than 115 young professionals who make up the new 83.33 Society were among those
contributing to the campaign. With recurring monthly gifts of $83.33 over five years, members are
the new generation of Catholic Charities supporters.
The campaign bolsters three priorities by investing in more than 50 existing programs, increasing
Catholic Charities’ endowment, and funding the launch of the Newcomer Network to improve
the lives of vulnerable immigrants in the region.
More than $21 million was raised for the Newcomer Network, 41 percent over its goal of $15
million. Begun in 2020 with a generous commitment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark
Foundation, the Newcomer Network provides immigration legal services and integrated social
services to newcomers to the community. In its first six months, the program provided services to
1,235 people in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Among other contributions to the campaign are $16 million in legacy gifts, which will support
programs into the future.
“The campaign was an eye toward the future, and I’m very pleased to say that the results ensure
sustainability for Catholic Charities,” said Robert Trone, who served as chair of the campaign
with his wife, Anna. “Catholic Charities’ programs are the most effective and efficient for giving
back to the community that I’ve ever seen, and the campaign results will have a lasting positive
impact on them.”
Media: For details or to schedule an interview, contact Kate Kennedy of Catholic Charities DC’s
communications department at Kate.Kennedy@cc-dc.org or 202-772-4312.
About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
Catholic Charities DC is the largest independent social services agency in the Metropolitan D.C.
area. As the charitable arm of the Archdiocese of Washington, Catholic Charities DC invests in
communities by providing critical services to hundreds of thousands of people in need
throughout the District of Columbia and Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles, Calvert and St.
Mary’s counties in Maryland. The organization works tirelessly to give help that empowers and
hope that lasts to those it serves regardless of background, belief or circumstance. For more
information, visit www.catholiccharitiesdc.org and follow us on social media @CCADW.