Gift Acceptance Policies and Gift Agreements: A Guide for Donors and Organizations

The Catholic Community Foundation was established in July 2001 and Mary Ellen assumed the presidency in July of 2004.  Mary Ellen is responsible for every aspect of the Foundation’s business which includes all new business development, the grantmaking process, and the overall operations of the Foundation.  She works directly with the organization’s Board of Directors, of which she is a member.  The Foundation’s assets have grown to over $85 million under her leadership. 

A graduate of Marquette University, before joining The Catholic Community Foundation she had her own consulting firm specializing in fund development and marketing.  Prior to that she served as an Associate Vice President at Marquette University responsible for major gift, foundation and corporate fundraising.  In addition, Mary Ellen has over eleven years of experience in the for-profit sector of trusts and estates.  She has also served on a number of outside boards. Mary Ellen played varsity tennis at Marquette University and graduated from their College of Business Administration.