Diocese of Columbus history

As the Catholic population of Ohio grew, its first diocese - the Diocese of Cincinnati - was erected by the Vatican on June 19, 1821.

The Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus was founded in 1985.

The first major infusion of assets came from the 1987 Legacy of Catholic Learning campaign, which was a $10 million diocesan effort to create an endowment for Catholic education in Franklin and Delaware counties.

Shortly after, in 1989, Kathleen Spencer was named Executive Director, and The Catholic Foundation brand was established.

In 1990, the fund distributed 6 grants totaling $9,630, and today more than 225 parish projects have benefited.

In 1993, The Catholic Foundation hit a major milestone when it reached 100 funds under management.

In 1994, The Foundation moved its headquarters to 197 East Gay Street in part to reinforce the sense that The Catholic Foundation was part of the diocesan family.

Also in 2000, The Catholic Foundation reached $50 million under management, doubling the amount from just four years prior.

In 2001, the Church & Community Fund was established and now falls under the Focus Fund umbrella.

He officially became the victims' assistance coordinator in 2002, when the conference of bishops started requiring the archdioceses and dioceses to create the position.

In 2003, The Foundation established the Kyrie Bequest Society to recognize those individuals who have informed The Foundation that they have planned a future gift to a fund.

In 2006, The Catholic Foundation reached $100 million in assets, an increase of 200% in six years.

As the 20th century ended and a new millennium dawned, the Diocese of Columbus was the fastest growing in Ohio, with the Catholic population approaching 300,000 and served by 106 parishes, 219 priests, 90 deacons, 281 sisters, and countless lay ministers as of 2008.

The following year, in 2011, Loren Brown was name President & CEO of The Catholic Foundation.