Gehlen Catholic Schools Endowment Fund

The Gehlen Catholic Schools Endowment Fund is a nonprofit organization based in Le Mars, Iowa. It operates as a public charity with the mission of supporting education, specifically through scholarships and grants for Gehlen Catholic Schools.

Purpose and Activities

The fund provides financial support for educational purposes, often disbursing grants to bolster educational initiatives within Gehlen Catholic Schools. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational environment for students by funding various scholarships that help make education more accessible.

Financial and Operational Overview

In recent years, the Gehlen Catholic Schools Endowment Fund has consistently provided significant grants to support educational programs. For instance, in 2023, it awarded $217,785 in grants, demonstrating its commitment to education and community development[1].

The organization is recognized for its transparency and accountability, earning a 4/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator, which indicates a high level of financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency[4]. Donations to this organization are tax deductible, as it is registered with the IRS for charitable purposes[3].

Scholarships

The fund is involved in managing scholarships, including those from the Eva Waite Tuition Fund and other family scholarships. These scholarships assist students from grades TK-12 by providing financial aid[2]. Additionally, it collaborates with external funding sources like the Diocesan Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation and the Catherine Birzle Education Trust, which offer additional educational support to qualified students.

Legal Status

The Gehlen Catholic Schools Endowment Fund is registered with the EIN number 421301178 and operates under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, qualifying it as a tax-exempt organization for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes[5].