PROVIDENCE — The Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island has introduced a new endowment initiative designed to assist schools in the diocese with repair, maintenance and facility upgrade projects.
The Catholic School Facilities Fund was created with $360,000; $300,000 established the endowment for future funding, while the remaining $60,000 was earmarked for initial grants.
“The fund will provide a minimum of $30,000 per year for the first two years. Future growth depends on donor contributions,” said Timothy McCaig, the foundation’s executive director.
“The initiative aims to help Catholic schools remain competitive with public schools by improving their infrastructure. Many of our endowments are focused on tuition assistance, which is essential, but we also know we need to maintain safe, functional, and welcoming learning environments for students and staff.”
Awards from the fund would help schools better afford to tackle larger projects, such as refreshing their gyms or replacing worn roofs. Any parish or diocesan school within the Diocese of Providence is eligible to apply.
Applications for the Catholic School Facilities Fund are open from June 1 through September 11. A committee will review submissions and present recommendations to the Catholic Foundation's Board of Advisors, with final award decisions made by Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R.
