721 N. LaSalle
Chicago, IL 60654

Development

Judith M. Silekis, Director
721 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 655-7289

The Development Department helps facilitate the Church's role in the mission of charity by:

1. Securing financial resources for the programs, operations and endowment of Catholic Charities.
2. Providing individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations with opportunities to fulfill their charitable desires.
3. Articulating the needs of those we serve through written and oral communications that invite the greater community to the mission of charity by offering their gifts of time, talent and treasure.

The Development Department focuses on six areas of fundraising:

Annual Fund - The Annual Fund staff carries out all aspects of the Mother's Day and Year End appeals and oversees development of general donations for annual giving, memorial and in honor of gifts. Its members work closely with the Mother's Day Appeal Board Committee, the Department of Communications and the Information Management Department of the Development Office.

Special Events - The Events staff is responsible for the planning and execution of all fundraising events. Its members work closely with various event committees established through the Board of Advisors to secure underwriting, sponsorship and participation in major events. In addition, this department is to serve as an advisor to all program and regional events to ensure success and the following of agency protocol. The department maintains the agency calendar for all fundraising events.

Major Gifts – The Major Gifts staff leads a comprehensive capital campaign effort with a goal of $50 million in support of operational, capital and endowment funds for the agency. The staff works closely with members of the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors who volunteer on a committee that strategizes and solicits individuals, corporations and foundations for major gifts in support of Catholic Charities.

Foundation Relations - The Foundation Relations staff is charged with overseeing agency-wide applications to foundations and corporations for support of specific programs of Catholic Charities. This department works closely with Senior Administration and the Vice Presidents to establish funding priorities for pursuing grants and is advised by the Foundation subcommittee of the Board of Advisors.

Planned Giving - It is the responsibility of the Planned Giving staff to identify potential contributors, establish relationships with potential donors, provide information to interested individuals about planned giving opportunities, handle all planned gifts made to Catholic Charities and to maintain all Department of Development records related to wills, trusts, charitable gift annuities and other planned gifts. This department is advised by the Planned Giving Sub-Committee of the Board of Advisors and works closely with the Departments of Legal and Compliance Services and Financial Services.

Lake County Regional Development Office - The Lake County Regional Development Office works in coordination with all areas of the Development Department to manage all fundraising efforts in Lake County.