- Board of Directors
Jason Miller
Meet Jason
As a business owner, Jason Miller has gained a wealth of expertise and a pragmatic approach he now brings to his role as the Catholic Foundation’s newly appointed Secretary. His enthusiasm for supporting others in achieving their charitable goals is a great fit with the Foundation’s mission.
“Jason is an active donor to the Foundation who owns and runs a Nebraska-based commercial grass seed business started by his family in 1939,” says Chris Raun, our Executive Director. “His deep faith and his humble, no-nonsense approach to life and business helps the Foundation better understand and serve the diverse needs and objectives of faithful Catholic donors throughout Nebraska and beyond.” Here’s why Jason feels called to serve and do more for our community.
Q: What inspired you to join the Catholic Foundation Board, and how has your background influenced your contributions?
A: What inspired me is the sense of gratitude I have for the many gifts and opportunities God has given me and the people he has placed in my life. Serving on the Foundation board allows me to give back in some small way. As a business owner, I’ve learned that taking care of customers and employees, building relationships, dealing honestly, and working hard inevitably produce success. The work of the Catholic Foundation requires many of the same abilities. My role involves helping people to be charitable, to accomplish their charitable giving, to build relationships, and to maintain the tremendous trust and confidence that faithful Catholics have placed in the Foundation.
Q: As a leader of the Foundation, what do you believe are the most critical qualities required to effectively serve as an ambassador in your local community?
A: Integrity fosters credibility and ensures confidence in the Foundation and in the important work we do. People who work with the Foundation place a great deal of trust in us to ensure their charitable wishes will be honored both now and after their death.
Q: Can you share some of the most rewarding experiences you’ve had while working with the Foundation and connecting with donors?
A: My wife Cindy and I wanted to establish a Donor Advised Fund in honor of our son who passed away, so we contacted the Catholic Foundation. They explained the significant tax benefits of donating grain and appreciated stock instead of cash, which allowed us to give even more to our parish and the other worthy causes we support and care about.
Q: What are some key challenges you’ve encountered in your roles, and how have you and the board worked to overcome them?
A: One challenge has been effectively communicating the broad range of services the Catholic Foundation can provide to donors and their parishes. Our solution was to employ a talented creative agency, Eleanor Creative, and with the help of individual donors, Eleanor produces an engaging “donor spotlight” each month. The story is then posted on social media, which has been a very effective way of messaging the mission of the Foundation.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the Catholic Foundation, and how do you see the board’s role evolving to meet new challenges and opportunities?
A: In this diocese, we have been blessed with many vibrant parishes, schools, priests, and faithful organizations. The Catholic Foundation plays a significant role in looking after the growth and future financial sustainability of parishes throughout Nebraska. Our job is to continue to help people accomplish their charitable giving goals, build relationships, and maintain the tremendous trust and confidence that faithful Catholics have placed in the Foundation.
A Future of Faithful Stewardship
Jason Miller’s business acumen, paired with his faith and passion for philanthropy, underscores his leadership as the Catholic Foundation’s Secretary. With a steadfast commitment to nurturing relationships and looking after the financial sustainability of the Church’s vital initiatives, Jason aims to empower donors and make a brighter future for Nebraska’s Catholic community.
