Endowment Funds

Endowments are comprised of invested funds that generate interest or dividends that can be used for a special purpose or for the general needs of the school. Only the interest is spent while the principal remains intact. Thus, the funds are considered “perpetual.”

School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) is most grateful for gifts of any size to our general endowment or to any of our named honorary or memorial funds. Below are various types of endowment funds:

• Unrestricted donations to School Sisters of Notre Dame endowment fund allow SSND to apply your gift to the areas of greatest need.
• Dedicated scholarship funds help keep an SSND education accessible to poor families enabling SSND to bring girls of all backgrounds together to study, learn, and pray. A minimum gift or pledge of $5,000 establishes a scholarship fund.
• Special purpose funds enhance programs and activities in both curricular and extra-curricular areas and enrich the life of the school.

The SSND Province of Africa Endowment Fund is being built gradually with donations from alumnae, faculty, family and friends. many of these gifts honor or commemorate loved ones. Some are designated for a particular purpose, such as student scholarship aid, support for key programs within the school. All endowment funds foster and extend the mission of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Donor Designated Endowments

These SSND School Endowments were begun by The Thomas More Project which provides educational opportunity to needy children by funding scholarships, creating and funding innovative educational programs, and supporting the fine arts at Catholic educational institutions since 1986.

The Sister Kathleen Feeley Endowment Fund

Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar, Nigeria

This endowment honors Sister Kathleen Feeley, who has lived by the prophet Micah’s declaration that what is required of us is to be fair, just, and merciful, and to walk humbly with God. It would be impossible to list all the activities, interests and accomplishments of this spirited and impassioned School Sister of Notre Dame. Whether in Baltimore, Ghana, South Sudan, China, or Australia, whether working as teacher, college president, or caregiver, Kathleen is animated by the mandate of Jesus to proclaim the good news to all.

Learn more about Notre Dame Secondary School, Mkar, Nigeria.

The Sister Gabriel Roeder Endowment Fund

Notre Dame Shalom School, Abuja, Nigeria

Sister Gabriel Roeder's life was full and active. He was a theologian, teacher and preacher. Always alert to the needs of others, she canvassed Nigerian villages for a study of tuberculosis prevention, which resulted in a clinic and clean well water. She wrote grant proposals for schools and for children with special needs. Her deep love of Scripture led her to form Bible study groups. She had a unique ability to bring the Scriptures to life, touching and inspiring her students and sisters.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are endowment funds?

Endowments are invested funds that generate income for a designated purpose or for the broad-ranging needs of our province. Endowment funds are built by gifts of cash, bonds or stock.

How long do honorary or memorial endowment funds last?

The management goal for endowment funds is to keep the principal corpus intact and increase the value of the fund over time. Typically, 85 to 90% of the earnings will be used for the purposes designated and the remainder added to the corpus to keep up with inflation and ensure growth. Thus, endowment gifts are said to be perpetual.

What is the minimum required to establish an endowed fund?

We are most grateful for every donation, large and small. Small donations have sustained our congregation since its founding. Anyone may contribute any amount to our general endowment or to any existing named fund. To create a new endowed scholarship fund or a fund for other purposes, we ask a minimum gift or pledge of $25,000 or more.

How do I establish an endowed fund?

To discuss initiating a new endowment fund, please contact Sister Rosanne Rustemeyer, Resource Development Director, at ssndafrica@gmail.com or 314-633-7051. All dedicated endowments are subject to approval by the Province of Africa’s Leadership Council.