Pioneering a New Philanthropic Model for Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Affordable Housing and Strengthened Catholic Churches, Schools, and Parishes
BOCA RATON, Fla., March 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting humanitarian works worldwide, announced a commitment of over $111 million towards their “Legacy of Hope” Projects. These projects mark a paradigm shift in the role that a Foundation plays in philanthropy – elevating beyond a traditional “funder” to a “bridge-builder” that is a force multiplier by convening and coordinating diverse constituencies—other nonprofits, private donors, corporations, and state and local government partners—to have an exponentially more significant impact on the communities they serve. This innovative approach will set a new standard for how organizations can make strategic, impact-driven philanthropic investments/gifts. It is designed to sustain and transform communities for generations, uplift the marginalized, and secure the future of faith and service. In addition to the $111M investment, the Foundation recognizes that this mission requires collective effort and will be engaging philanthropists around the country who share this vision for sustainable community transformation to join in to drive lasting change.
The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, founded by William J. Pulte, a devout Catholic, master builder, and philanthropist, is guided by the belief in the inherent dignity of all persons and works to meet the basic human needs of the most marginalized members of the human family, including socioeconomically disadvantaged youth; the aged; persons with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities; and those with the fewest material resources. The founding ethos of the Foundation is rooted in one of William J. Pulte’s favorite Bible passages, Luke 12:48, “To whom much is given; much will be required,” and it is driven by the entrepreneurial spirit of the man who founded one of the nation’s largest homebuilding companies.
The key tenants of these “Legacy of Hope” projects include:
Revolutionizing Housing for the Marginalized – The IDDeal Place and Monarca
The Foundation’s housing programs represent a transformative approach. “As a ‘bridge-builder’ that brings together real estate developers, state and local government, private donors, corporations, and philanthropic partners, we are building a model where housing development is not about profit but a sustainable model that creates long-term impact and accessibility. This collaborative approach ensures that resources are leveraged effectively and efficiently, allowing us to drive meaningful change,” Nancy Rickard Pulte said.
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The IDDeal Place: The IDDeal Place is the first independent living community for adults with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Palm Beach County and only the eighth private I/DD community in Florida. While ~500,000 Floridians are diagnosed with mild to profound I/DD, the state ranks 49th in care for this vulnerable population. Currently, 25 percent of these individuals live with a caregiver over 60. As these caregivers age and can no longer take care of their children with disabilities, many of these individuals will ultimately become wards of the state or homeless. The 3.27-acre IDDeal Place offers a more dignified alternative – the campus will serve 21 individuals with I/DD and offer them the independence, security, and profound sense of belonging they deserve.
Monarca: Monarca will be a 50-acre affordable rental housing development in Immokalee, Florida—one of America’s hardest-working yet most underserved communities. Immokalee is a migrant farming community experiencing a decades-long housing crisis, with low-income families paying over 70 percent of their income to live in unsafe and overcrowded trailers with limited access to basic amenities. When completed, Monarca will offer 179 single-family homes for rent in addition to a community center, a 12-acre nature preserve, and a five-acre lake. Most importantly, residents will participate in the “Build a Better Life Program,” which will support families and provide financial literacy and budgeting, home maintenance, nutrition and wellness, computer literacy, and English literacy. Ultimately, the Monarca initiative is a gateway to stability, opportunity, and lasting success. By breaking the cycle of poverty through safe, affordable housing and essential life skills training, Monarca will empower generations of migrant farming families to build brighter futures.
Securing the Future of the Faith – The Catholic Initiative
The Catholic Initiative is a first of its kind in the world. It is a Vatican-approved effort to invest in the restoration and sustainability of vibrant Catholic churches, schools, and parishes where a lack of financial resources is currently holding back their potential. By modernizing church properties and securing long-term financial stability through endowments, The Catholic Initiative aims to shift the conversation for priests and parishioners—from one of constant fundraising to one of renewal, sustainability, and the needs of the community—by freeing religious leaders up to focus on their true mission: serving their parishioners and students. As a “bridge-builder, ” The Catholic Initiative team is bringing together the Catholic Church, innovative-minded philanthropists, and local nonprofits to cultivate these vital community hubs.
This unique approach has drawn the attention of major partners nationwide, including Fr. Mike Schmitz, a widely respected Catholic priest and host of the popular podcasts Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year produced by Ascension. He has joined the Catholic Initiative’s Board of Advisors and will be key in guiding and supporting its projects.
“I was deeply inspired by the vision and innovation behind The Catholic Initiative,” said Fr. Schmitz. “This model isn’t just about financial support; it’s about unleashing the full potential of Catholic parishes and schools. Many Catholic communities are vibrant and alive with faith but lack the resources to thrive for generations. I felt called to be part of something that can truly transform the future of the Catholic faith.”
“These initiatives are not just about acts of charity; they are rooted in the belief that we are all part of one human family and that we all deserve the opportunity to grow with dignity and hope in communities that sustain us,” Pulte Rickard said.
Cision
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