Catholic Foundation of Northern Colorado

The Investment Committee is chaired by Jennifer Neppel, who also serves as CIO of Pinnacol Assurance. The committee is responsible for selecting and monitoring external managers, setting asset allocation, and ensuring portfolio alignment with the Foundation's morally responsible investing guidelines. Board composition includes professionals with ties to Catholic business networks in Northern Colorado.

The portfolio explicitly excludes companies involved in abortion, contraception, pornography, weapons manufacturing, and other activities contrary to Catholic social teaching. The Foundation maintains a dedicated Morally Responsible Investment Pool that applies these screens across public equities, fixed income, and alternative investments. External managers are evaluated on both financial return potential and compliance with the moral framework.

Yes. The Foundation operates a cryptocurrency donation program that accepts digital assets and liquidates them immediately to fund charitable activities. Additionally, the Catholic Foundation Real Property Holdings, LLC, enables the acceptance of complex gifts including real estate and closely held business interests, converting them into income-producing assets within the permanent portfolio.

The Catholic Foundation of Northern Colorado is a legally separate 501(c)(3) entity that acts as a fiduciary for the Archdiocese's parishes, schools, and ministries. While mission-aligned, the Foundation maintains independent governance and investment oversight, allowing donors to contribute assets that benefit Catholic causes without intermingling with the Archdiocese's own operating funds.

The Foundation's corpus is invested across a diversified portfolio that includes public equities, fixed income, private credit, hedge fund allocations, and directly held real estate. The Catholic Foundation Real Property Holdings, LLC, generates rental income that supplements investment returns, while the donor-advised fund structure allows donors to recommend grants from their individual accounts over time.

The Foundation meets the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations set by the Council on Foundations, signaling adherence to governance and operational best practices. It also maintains close ties with the Knights of Columbus Colorado State Council and Catholic Business Leaders of Northern Colorado, a group co-founded by board member Theresa Branney.

The Foundation's investment model is primarily fund-of-funds and direct real asset ownership, rather than direct private equity or venture capital. The Real Property Holdings subsidiary holds mixed-use properties directly, while liquid and alternative allocations are executed through external managers selected by the Investment Committee.