The Catholic Development Fund (Wellington) – CDF - is a financial agency of the Archdiocese of Wellington. Established in 1962, it has a proud history of supporting projects in the Catholic community.
The CDF offers individuals and institutions the opportunity to make an investment and receive a competitive rate of interest. Funds managed by the CDF allow Archdiocese loans to be provided for church and school development programs. As well, any surplus is contributed to pastoral care charities of the church.
Funds invested with the CDF are secure, and guaranteed by the Archdiocese. The CDF offers an opportunity to invest your funds for your future, secure in the knowledge that your investment is contributing at the same time to the Catholic community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I making an investment or a donation?
A deposit of funds with the CDF is an investment that will earn you interest. Your account has no fees, can be structured to suit you, and you can access your funds in a variety of ways.
What makes an investment with the CDF special is that your money is used by the CDF exclusively to finance Church projects and Church organisations.
The interest rates offered on CDF accounts are competitive in comparison to commercial banks. Many investors find that while the interest rates can be marginally lower, any loss of returns is offset by the CDF’s lack of account fees and the knowledge that by foregoing a fractional interest gain, they are making a Christian contribution to the Fund’s good works in the Catholic community.
How safe is an investment with the CDF?
All investments with the CDF are secured by the assets of the Archdiocese, and fully guaranteed by the Catholic Archbishop of Wellington. The assets of the fund belong to the investors, and there are no circumstances in which investors will become liable to pay any amount over and above the amount they have agreed to deposit.
The CDF is governed by a Treasury Committee whose members are appointed by the Archbishop on the basis of their outstanding management, banking, funds management, marketing and entrepreneurial skills, plus their understanding and commitment to the Catholic Church.
How can I access my money?
You can deposit, transfer funds and make withdrawals here at our office on the 2nd floor of the Catholic Centre, 22 Hill St, Thorndon Wellington. Alternatively, you can access your account by mail, by automatic payment, electronic transfer, or through CDF Online services.
To read about different accounts with the CDF, how they are structured, and how they can help you save and invest your money, click here.
What kinds of projects will my investment help?
The loans the CDF is able to provide to organizations and institutions in the Archdiocese, allow the building and development of parishes, churches and schools. This includes funding for:
- Churches
- Furniture and Equipment
- Schools
- Welfare Projects
- Bridging Finance
- Property
- Pastoral Projects
From any surplus, the CDF is able to sponsor parish newsletters and Church conferences, support initiatives like Catholictv.net, provide scholarships to promising young students, and contribute to Catholic social services.