Our History
Through five decades of faith-filled leadership, shared learning, and collaborative action, FADICA remains a trusted and vibrant home for Catholic philanthropy.
Our mission continues to grow through the generosity, wisdom, and commitment of its members.
1970s — Founding Years
1976 – FADICA is founded; Peter S. Robinson serves as the first President.
1977–1979 – Early national studies and conferences begin, including major work on Catholic media, family ministry, and the RENEW program.
1980 – Francis J. Butler becomes President, shaping FADICA’s leadership for the next 32 years.
1980s — Establishing a National Platform
FADICA launches and funds studies on aging, vocations, Catholic identity, and stewardship.
High-impact conferences draw bishops, academics, and Catholic leaders into dialogue with funders.
SOAR! and the Religious Retirement Fund emerge from FADICA’s early engagement.
FADICA also initiates major work on Church finances, Catholic schools, and lay preaching.
1990s — Expanding Collaboration and Research
FADICA strengthens ties with the Vatican, supports Ex Corde Ecclesiae discussions, and conducts national studies on Catholic giving, stewardship, vocations, and campus ministry.
Retreats led by figures like Henri Nouwen deepen the spiritual life of the network.
The Catholic Funding Guide and numerous institutes are launched during this era.
2000–2009 — Responding to a Changing Church
Major conferences address poverty, immigration, higher education, ethics, and Church leadership.
FADICA supports the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management and expands the Catholic Funding Guide Online.
Members accompany Church leaders to Eastern Europe, Africa, and New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
2010–2016 — Innovation, Renewal, and Global Reach
FADICA hosts gatherings on women religious, global partnerships, religious life, and social innovation.
Alexia Kelley becomes President in 2012.
New member affinity groups launch, focusing on Catholic schools, human trafficking, international philanthropy, and Church renewal.
Research on Catholic sisters and Catholic school governance is published.
The organization celebrates its 40th anniversary with retreats, pilgrimages, and major collaborations.
2017–2019 — Shaping the Future of Catholic Philanthropy
Symposia explore Catholic social innovation, collaboration, and emerging leadership.
New awards honor Catholic philanthropic leadership.
FADICA engages deeply with issues of safeguarding, global refugee crises, and racial justice.
Members participate in delegations to the U.S.–Mexico border and Rome.
Key initiatives on parish vitality and child protection take form.
2020–2022 — Resilience, Renewal, and New Models
FADICA launches new member programs such as the Catholic Social Teaching & Philanthropy Certificate.
Major studies on parish vitality and Catholic school governance are released.
Members support Sisters on the Frontlines during the pandemic.
FADICA launches its first Impact Platform and introduces initiatives focused on homelessness and racism.
2023–2025 — Innovation, Pilgrimage, and National Impact
FADICA focuses on next-generation leadership, racial justice, and effective use of Church property.
New roles strengthen outreach, communications, education, and digital engagement.
Members gather nationally and regionally, including pilgrimages to Rome with a private audience with Pope Francis.
Major awards and new impact investments continue shaping the future of Catholic philanthropy.
In 2025, FADICA hosts its 49th Annual Membership Meeting and Symposium on The Cry of the Earth, The Cry of the Poor, marking the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’.
