Discover the Difference: Foundation Supports New School Initiatives
by Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools | July 22, 2024
Four Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools were recently awarded grants from the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa totaling nearly $25,000. The schools were notified of their awards in May and efforts are currently underway to implement the programs funded through the generosity of the foundation and its board of directors.
The Foundation seeks to support projects that are independently sustainable after the grant period, replicable in other schools throughout the diocese, are collaborative in nature, and may have matching funds in place. To expand the impact of the grant program, the Foundation invites community members to consider making a tax-deductible gift to the CFSWIA Grants Program.
"The CFSWIA grant program seeks to support those projects that clearly impact as many people as possible. Those projects with an opportunity for duplication of success are always exciting to support," said Sue McEntee, Foundation Director. "We are grateful that we have been able to provide grants for the past nine years.”
How will grant funds be invested?
St. Anthony Catholic School and Parish, Des Moines
St. Anthony Catholic School received a $5,000 grant to improve communication with our Limited English Proficiency families by purchasing two-way interpretation earpieces. Completing this project will allow the school to advance its mission of creating an environment where every member of its diverse community feels valued and empowered. Enhanced communication strengthens relationships with school families and promotes collaboration and engagement, ultimately enriching the educational experience for all. This investment aligns with the school's core values of inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that language barriers never hinder the exchange of ideas, support, and meaningful interaction.
"We are incredibly thankful for CFSWIA," exclaimed Jennifer Raes, school administrator at St. Anthony. "Their support of our schools is incredible and the door they are helping us open to families with limited English speaking is a wonderful gift and opportunity for us and for families to communicate without a translator having to relay all parts of the conversation. We want everyone to feel welcome and for the ethnicity to be honored."
St. Patrick Catholic School, Perry
St. Patrick Catholic School received a $10,000 grant to replace outdated SMART Boards with new 65-inch flatscreen interactive CleverTouch Panels. The grant supports individual gifts of other interactive boards purchased for use throughout the school. These touch-sensitive displays enable real-time interaction with digital content, transforming the traditional learning environment into an engaging, interactive space. This upgrade will enhance the learning experience for students and provide teachers with advanced tools for interactive teaching. Additionally, the boards will be used for instruction during Religious Education classes and community events.
Shelby County Catholic School, Harlan
Shelby County Catholic School received a $4,999 grant to replace and upgrade its outdated sound system. This funding will enable the school to incorporate wireless capabilities, significantly enhancing audio quality for various events. The existing sound system, which dates back to the 1970s, is no longer compatible with current technology requirements for school, parish and community functions held in the school's gymnasium. By upgrading the sound system, students will have improved opportunities to perform in musicals, theater productions, and other activities, fostering a more dynamic and engaging environment for performers and audiences. Additionally, the school will be able to better serve the parish and Harlan community by providing a high-functioning multipurpose space for community gatherings.
Christ the King Catholic School, Des Moines
Christ the King Catholic School received a $5,000 grant to implement the Savvas MyView Literacy program, leveled readers, and the Core Phonics program. This will update the school's English Language Arts curriculum, focusing on personalized learning, cultural relevance, and 21st-century skills. The curriculum supports small-group instruction, helping teachers address individual needs and reinforce skills taught in whole-group lessons. The leveled readers will include diverse texts that reflect the cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds of the students, promoting a sense of belonging and cultural awareness in the classroom.
About the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa
The Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa was established in 2012 by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines. The CFSWIA advances stewardship rooted in best financial practices and Catholic values investing. To Catholic parishes, schools, and organizations, we provide strategic tools and fund management to ensure fiscal integrity and promote long-term financial security. To individual and family donors, we provide streamlined, faith-based opportunities for charitable giving. For a number of years, CFSWIA has provided financial assistance via grant awards to dozens of parishes, schools, and other not-for-profit organizations with Catholic values.
Outcomes from this year's grant awards will be shared throughout the year on the CFSWIA's website and social media platforms. Applications for the next grant cycle begin early in 2025. For more information, visit catholicfoundationiowa.org