When and why did the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania (SSJNWPA) create the Foundation?
The Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation (SSJMMF) was founded in 2015 as a separate 501c3 organization with a gift of $10 million from the release of sponsorship of St. Vincent Health Center.
What is the purpose of the SSJMMF?
The purpose is to build the resources needed to care for retired Sisters and to respond, through ministries, to the changing needs of our neighbors today and for generations to come.
Is the SSJMMF a trust or a foundation?
It is a charitable trust established January 1, 2015 and serves as a fundraising and grant-making ministry.
Does the Erie Diocese financially support the SSJNWPA or the SSJMMF?
The SSJNWPA are a Diocesan order. The Congregation qualifies for financial assistance from the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO). Established in 1989 by the US Bishops, the mission of the NRRO is to help US religious communities address their retirement-funding shortages. The Sisters of St. Joseph are not sponsored by local parishes, however, each December, parishes take up a NRRO collection which benefits the Sisters’ retirement needs.
Does the SSJMMF have a Board of Trustees?
Yes. The volunteer Trustees execute duties relating to the direction and management of the trust, its property, and the conduct of its affairs not otherwise specifically provided for in the Bylaws. The Trustees shall consist of three (3) to twenty-one (21) members who have the expertise and determination to carry on the good works of the Sisters, their mission, and the purpose of the SSJMMF.
What is the role of the SSJMMF Executive Director?
The Executive Director oversees strategy, management, and execution of all fundraising efforts and grant administration. They collaborate with the Trustees, congregational leadership, and staff to plan and execute all endeavors.
Who are donors to the SSJMMF?
Everyone and anyone! Donors traditionally have a special relationship with the Sisters of St. Joseph and/or their ministries. Many have also heard of and believe in the good works of the Sisters and choose to support their efforts.
Could I make an unrestricted gift?
Yes. In order to fulfill the purpose of the SSJMMF, it is necessary to build the resources needed to care for retired Sisters and to respond, through ministries, to the changing needs of our neighbors today and for generations to come. By making an unrestricted gift, resources will be available to address the most timely and pressing needs of the time.
Could I designate my gift?
Yes. Gift designations are welcome in three ways:
- Care of the Sister/Retirement
- Ministry Support
- Unrestricted/Most Pressing Needs
If your interests are more specific, the SSJ President, SSJMMF Executive Director, and/or Chief Vision Officer will meet with you to discuss your thoughts and vision.
Does the Foundation accept major gift and/or estate bequests?
Yes.
A major gift – $10,000 or more – could be spread over time, usually a period of five years. Such a gift builds the immediate resources available to build the SSJMMF principal and grants to like-minded non-profits.
Donor bequests and estate gifts are powerful for growing the SSJMMF and, therefore, available to respond to the changing needs of our Sisters and neighbors.
What are forms of financial support?
- Gifts of cash
- Monthly recurring gifts
- Corporate matching gifts
- Qualified Charitable Distributions from an IRA
- Transfer of appreciated securities
- Donor Advised Fund designations
- Beneficiary designations – Ex. IRA, life insurance, trust, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust
- Will/estate gifts
To include the SSJMMF in your plans, use our legal name and federal tax ID:
Legal name: Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation
Legal address: 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506-1249
Federal tax ID number: 47-2591434
Retirement plan administrators have no obligation to notify the SSJMMF of your gift designation unless we are listed as a beneficiary. Please let us know of your gift. In this way, we will understand your intentions and acknowledge your generosity.
The SSJNWPA have been at work caring for their neighbors spanning three centuries. Your gift of support and care of the Sisters will make a difference today and for out neighbors for centuries to come…Thank You!
Sr. Mary Drexler
SSJ President
5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506
P: 814-836-4193
E: s.mdrexler@ssjerie.org
Almitra Clerkin
Executive Director
Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation
5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506
P: 814-836-4202
E: almi.clerkin@ssjerie.org
Cathy Fresch
Chief Vision Officer
Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation
5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506
P: 814-836-4253
