Giving with Greater Impact: How the Catholic Foundation’s Annual Report Inspires Generosity
At the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska, charitable giving comes in all shapes and sizes. From grain and farmland to IRAs, life insurance, and appreciated stock, there are countless ways donors can make a meaningful impact. However, when all possibilities are on the table, it can be challenging for potential donors to see how their contribution can be transformed into a charitable gift directed to a cause, parish, or school they care about. We developed the Catholic Foundation’s annual report to make it easy for donors to understand the possibilities and see that there’s a team ready to guide you every step of the way.
Donor Focused
The Catholic Foundation’s annual report is more like a magazine than a traditional mailer. The primary goal was to show how gifts of any type can be directed to causes close to a donor’s heart, while highlighting the real-world impact of their generosity.
Central to the report are donor stories that illustrate both the practical and spiritual impact of giving. The late Lyle Divis, for example, wanted to ensure that the farmland he inherited would benefit his local parish. Reflecting on his decision, he said, “I asked myself what Dad would want. I knew he’d be happy to see it go to the church. This way, the land could benefit everyone in the community—not only the church but the entire parish and my good neighbors.”
Lyle’s story inspired another donor to take action: on the very day the report arrived, they reached out to the Foundation to contribute farmland themselves, confident that their gift could be directed according to their intentions.
The report also features beautiful photographs of local Catholic churches, immediately connecting donors to the communities they support. Letters from the Executive Director and Chairman of the Board reinforce that personal touch, reminding donors that their contributions are seen, valued, and appreciated.
Effective Takeaway
The annual report also clearly explains how the Foundation works with donors to make giving simple and effective. Concise sections and clear explanations help donors understand everything from donor-designated funds to endowments, allowing them to see how gifts can grow and sustain the parish, schools, and broader Midwest community for generations.
Ultimately, the report is designed to reinforce one key message: no gift is too small or too unusual to make a difference. By combining engaging visuals, real donor stories, and clear guidance, the Foundation empowers people to give in ways that reflect their personal resources and charitable goals.
Driving Action
The success of the report reflects how donors can be motivated to act. And it demonstrates how thoughtful storytelling and strategic design can inspire generosity. It also allows the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska to celebrate gifts received while also inviting all donors to explore the full range of possibilities. Every contribution, no matter the form, helps strengthen the Church and its communities, leaving a legacy that benefits generations to come.
