Pacelli Catholic School recently received a $25,000 check from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. This first-time grant will provide support to the school in two ways: the development of an early childhood business plan and expansion of the advancement department.

To receive the grant, the Foundation required that Pacelli raise $25,000 from new donors.

An early childhood business plan will provide the structure necessary to attract new families to Pacelli through the preschool program and build a feeder program that will increase enrollment in the elementary years and beyond.

Expansion of the advancement department will allow for a full-time professional fundraiser and a more robust database that will help in the development of closer relationships with alumni, current and past parents and friends, and will lead to increased financial support for the school.

“It is with much gratitude that we accept this grant from the Richard M. Schulze Foundation,” said Jean McDermott, President/Principal of Pacelli Catholic School. “We have already initiated conversations with First Children’s Finance, Pacelli Board members and staff as we look at preschool opportunities and options. Also, our outreach to alumni has recently extended beyond the Austin community with the first ever gathering of Pacelli alumni in the Twin Cities area due to the efforts of our new Advancement Director, Rebecca Tofte. The grant required that we raise our matching funds from new donations. I am excited about the momentum this will provide as we continue to grow our culture of giving.”

“The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation grant is a generous gift that will reap an abundant harvest for years to come,” said Father James Steffes, pastor and Pacelli trustee. “This money will be used in acquiring financial support from our Alumni and friends to bolster the great legacy that is ours while advancing the great potential we have for the future. Ultimately, as is true for all that we do, it is to form and educate our students to be great citizens of this world and to live forever as citizens in heaven!”

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation was created in 2004 by Best Buy founder Dick Schulze to give back to the Minnesota communities where Dick and his family were raised. Schulze and his family believe that a good education, a supportive family and a strong work ethic prepare children for a successful future. They support organizations operating in the areas of human and social services, education, and health and medicine across Minnesota and Florida, where Schulze currently resides.