For the second consecutive year, Catholic Charities of Buffalo fell short of its appeal goal.

The annual appeal generated $10.4 million in cash and pledges, down from $10.9 million in 2008, and about 5 percent short of the $11 million goal.

Bishop Edward U. Kmiec praised donors’ generosity nonetheless, noting that it was another challenging year to raise so much money.

“To achieve 94.7 percent of our Appeal 2009 goal when the economy is in turmoil, with the unemployment rate at a 26-year high, and when people are getting by with less, illustrates the generosity and compassion of our community and its belief in the effectiveness of Catholic Charities’ programs and services,” Kmiec said.

Last year was believed to be the first time the appeal failed to reach its goal by the end of the agency’s fiscal year, which closed June 30.

The appeal benefits both Catholic Charities, which gets about 59 percent of the overall proceeds, as well as the Bishop’s Fund for the Faith, which is slated to receive 41 percent.

The Bishop’s Fund helps pay for various ministries of the diocese, such as seminary training and aid to urban parishes and schools.

Catholic Charities has about 160,000 clients and runs 70 programs or services.

The agency and diocese had a difficult fundraising season in 2008, as well. They sought $11.2 million through the appeal and came up short by about $300,000.

To deal with the shortfall, open staff positions at the agency went unfilled.

Another large community campaign, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, incurred its seventh consecutive decrease in overall giving.

The United Way brought in $14.25 million in the latest fiscal year, down from $14.79 million reported in March 2008.

The agency offset its losses earlier this year by announcing major changes in the way it funds area human services programs.