Catholic Charities’ 2024 fundraising appeal falls 16% short of target in Buffalo Diocese | News

Officials with the Diocese of Buffalo’s Appeal 2024 announced Tuesday that support for Catholic Charities and the Faith Fund has raised more than $8 million in cash and pledges, representing 84% of its $9.5 million goal.

The 2024 Call was launched in January and closed on June 30.

Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, said the 100th appeal “faced some challenges in 2024 and a significant need remains in our community.” He said that while the appeal’s goal was not met, Catholic Charities will do everything in its power to continue providing essential programs and services to the more than 145,000 individuals and families it serves.

“It is through the support and generosity of those who give through the Annual Appeal that Catholic Charities is able to bring HOPE to those who need it most – including individuals of all faiths and backgrounds – throughout Western New York, as it has for the past century,” he said.

The annual appeal funds more than 50 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities as well as several ministries through the Faith Fund. As the most comprehensive provider of social services serving the eight counties of Western New York, Catholic Charities’ programs and services include behavioral health services, basic emergency assistance, food banks, education and job training programs, family safety and stabilization programs, and assistance to immigrants and refugees.

The Faith Fund provides funding for programs that support the experience of faith in all parish communities, including hospital chaplaincy and the formation of ordained and lay ministers, among others.

In Cattaraugus County, Catholic Charities has an office in Olean, 2636 W. State St., (716) 372-0101, and the Franklinville Food Pantry & Outreach, 28 Park Square, (716) 676-3215.

In Allegany County, there is the Joyce Family Food Pantry & Outreach, (585) 296-3757, and an office, (585) 593-2015, both at 67 E. Pearl St., Wellsville.

“Contributions to the 100th Appeal from so many generous Western New Yorkers support local programs and services that bring HOPE to those in the eight counties of Western New York who are particularly struggling to make ends meet or facing challenges to their health and well-being,” said Kevin Gannon, chair of the 2024 Appeal. “Catholic Charities remains an organization rooted in HOPE, and we thank the nearly 21,000 donors who have joined us in donating the resources needed to bring that HOPE to so many of our families, friends and neighbors in need.”

Catholic Charities’ comprehensive development efforts in Western New York total nearly $8.55 million, including results from the 2024 appeal and $543,435 in bequests and program-specific gifts.

Donors can continue to support the work of Catholic Charities at ccwny.org/donate.