The Bishop's Education Fund was created in 2012 in response to the number of families in need of tuition assistance but were ineligible to receive funds from the Monsignor LaffertTuition Foundation due to their household income levels.
Receiving its intial funding from the Diocesan Annual Appeal, the Bishop's Education Fund awards more than $200,000 each year to families who are active, registered parishioners within the 100+ parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City. However, it is still not enough. Current estimates show there is in excess of $4 million requested each year for tuition assistance. The Monsignor Lafferty Tuition Foundation and The Bishop's Education Fund can only provide half of that amount.
The Bishop's Education Fund also provides funding for parishes through a grant application process in which parishes can be reimbursed for resources needed in their religious education programs for both students and adults. Previous awards have provided monies for Totus Tuus, textbooks, technology updates, etc. Applications are due by May 1st of each year.
If you would like more information about contributing to the Bishop's Education Fund, please contact the diocesan Office of Communications & Stewardship at (712) 233-7524.
Read the annual report