Does Catholic Charities help people of any faith?
We are called to accompany anyone in need, regardless of their faith, gender, race, or ethnicity. Additionally, we invite anyone with any background to work with us as a volunteer, or apply for a paid position on our team.
Search for your next career in our career postings or find volunteer opportunities near you.
Does any of the money that is donated to Catholic Charities benefit the Catholic Church?
Catholic Charities is financially independent from the Catholic Church in Chicago. We do not donate to the Archdiocese of Chicago, and we do not regularly receive funds from them – except when donors designate their funds to be used for our work, in which case we receive 100%. Our donor base is diverse and broad – representing a full range of faith backgrounds. What they all share is care for their neighbor, and respect for our values and impact.
How is Catholic Charities affiliated with the Archdiocese of Chicago?
Catholic Charities was founded more than 100 years ago, established in 1917 by the Catholic Bishop of Chicago to meet human need through the Mission of Charity. We have been serving continuously ever since. Today, while we operate as a completely separate entity, the Archdiocese is our closest partner, aiding our work to partner with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties and to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need.
How many people in need is Catholic Charities helping on an annual basis?
Catholic Charities is the largest human services provider in the Midwest. Through more than 40 programs – from prenatal care to senior housing – Catholic Charities’ services touch the lives of more than 500,000 people annually (Fiscal Year 2021). In many cases, the pandemic demand for our services has doubled and even tripled in some instances year over year. Yet, the simple truth is that the outsized vulnerabilities and inequities that were brought to the forefront during this crisis existed long before COVID-19 and will persist long thereafter.
How is Catholic Charities different from other human service agencies?
Catholic Charities aspires to become the most trusted, mission-driven human services partner within the Midwest region, because of how we reflect, learn and grow in faith and impact. Our 100+ years of experience matched with our exceptional team and community of Partners make us uniquely qualified to serve anyone in need in an increasingly polarized and economically unequal post-pandemic world.
See the full extent of our touch in the latest Spirit Magazine.
Does Catholic Charities receive government funding?
Yes. Because of our experience, scale, breadth, and values, we are a go-to partner for government and civic leaders alike, particularly in times of need. But as local, state, and federal budgets have become increasingly stretched, government support for human services continues to shrink. At Catholic Charities, our government support has fallen by more than 20% over the last decade, while demand for our services grows exponentially. We are fully responsible for our own funding, which means we need people and families like you to help us to continue to provide good works and hope to our neighbors in need, especially now.
To make a gift to Catholic Charities, visit our donation page
How do you support mothers in motherhood or during pregnancy?
As we have since our founding more than 100 years ago, Catholic Charities remains committed to welcoming all who come to our doors, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, or political views. One of our particular callings is to be here for girls and women facing challenging health, economic, and housing circumstances; especially women who need help during pregnancy and in caring for their children – be they babies, toddlers, or teens. This is a calling, we believe, that unites. We pray that all new mothers and their babies may feel supported and loved.
Visit our Pregnancy and Parenting page.
Where can I find volunteer opportunities?
Volunteers are the lifeblood of Catholic Charities, partnering with staff to deliver programs to the people we serve, fundraise, or serve on Regional Mission Boards. Opportunities exist with Catholic Charities throughout Cook and Lake counties for individuals and groups with varying time commitments, from a few hours to a regular weekly schedule.
Visit ccacofchicagovolunteer.com or reach out to your local Catholic Charities Regional Office for further information.