The Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation
A Description - August 24, 2020
History
In September of 1994, the Diocesan Finance Council recommended a feasibility study to examine the formation of a foundation for the Diocese of Cheyenne. A committee was formed, consisting of the Vicar for Canonical Affairs, the Moderator of the Curia, the Diocesan Finance Officer, the Diocesan Civil Attorney and the Diocesan Accountant, who conducted the study and made a report. After considering the report and much discussion, the Diocesan Financial Council and the College of Consultors recommended in 1997 that the Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation be formed. In March of 1998, the Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State. The Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation was established as both a public juridic person in canon law and as a Wyoming nonprofit religious corporation.
Purpose of the Foundation
The Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation shall function for the purpose of supporting the religious, charitable, ministerial, and educational programs of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Wyoming, as expressed in the teachings, the canon law, and the customs and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, and, more specifically, to provide acceptance, investment management, and distribution of gifts and other assets properly given to this Corporation, and to engage in such other activities as may be necessary or appropriate and consistent with this Corporation’s status as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Governance
The Foundation is managed by a board of directors. Under the bylaws, (updated and approved in May 2020) the board shall not less than 6 and no more than 15 members. The Bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board.
The employees are employees of the Foundation. The Foundation maintains policies and practices as developed and approved by the Board.
The assets of the Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation are arranged in the following ways.