Leave Your Legacy
When you reflect on your life, what has made the biggest impact? That answer may lead to the lessons learned and values gained through Sacred Heart Parish and Norfolk Catholic School. That may prompt a follow-up question: “How can I help ensure their future viability as a reflection of my gratitude?”
Our Endowment Funds are a perfect way to do just that. You will make a difference in the future of our parish and school — well beyond what we can see today. These funds provide perpetual income to help support our parish and school with never-ending financial life to our community of faith.
Whether you are interested in giving to our parish or school endowment in general, donating to an existing established fund, or creating your own established fund, we can help lead you to what is most meaningful to you, your life story, and your legacy.
What is an endowment?
By legal definition, an endowment is a type of savings account established by a non-profit that is invested for the long-term benefit of the establishing organization. The principal – the funds that are deposited by the donor – will never be spent. The interest earned, dividends and capital gains can be used or reinvested. Any donor may make any gift amount to the endowment!
Our policy states that a five-year moving average of the value of the endowment is used for determining the value of the endowment, and 5% of that value is used toward operating costs, tuition assistance, or another use specified by the donor.
Benefits of Legacy Giving
- Your gift makes a difference by remaining invested in the endowment. Income from the interest is received in the general fund to help the beneficiary meet operating expenses. The principal remains invested, which means that your gift makes a perpetual impact.
- Gifts may provide a tax benefit for you and/or your heirs. Contact your financial advisor for details.
Sacred Heart Parish Endowment
- Created in 1987
- Purpose is to support and benefit Sacred Heart Parish
- Helps fund the religious and educational purposes of the church through the operation of its parish and religious education program
Norfolk Catholic School Endowment
- Created in 1999
- Purpose is to support and benefit Norfolk Catholic School
- Provides funds for operations, thus serving as assistance for tuition fees and other costs so that every student can receive a Catholic education
Established Funds
- Anyone can create an established fund in the Sacred Heart Parish or Norfolk Catholic School Endowments with a total gift of $10,000 or more.
- The total gift of $10,000 or more may be made in installments for up to three years.
- Established funds may be established in a variety of ways, including cash. Other examples include bequeathing stocks, a retirement plan, a life insurance policy, or through an estate plan using a will or trust.
- Donors may be recognized based on level of giving in multiple ways. Examples include the Donor Wall in the Sacred Heart Parish Center, an annual Mass for the intentions of donors, and recognition in the Annual Report.
Endowment Board
Gifts are invested in a manner which reflects Catholic values and are managed by financial professionals. Local oversight of the investments is led by our Endowment Board consisting of the pastor and lay parish members. Voting members of the Endowment Board are:
- Cole Roberge
- Kyle Koester
- Mandi Thompson
- Fr. Pat McLaughlin
Non-voting staff members of the Endowment Board are:
- Patsy Taylor, Business Manager
- Nick Benes, Development Coordinator
More Information
| Planned Giving informational brochure | Planned Giving agreement | NCS Endowment | Sacred Heart Parish Endowment |
Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation
Established in 1971, the Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation was founded by 10 community minded men as a non-profit charitable organization.
The Foundation is an independent community organization and is neither under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of Omaha nor it's Archbishop or any other group or organization. The Foundation is operated and managed by it's Board of Directors which consists of Catholic and Non-Catholic members by design.
Since the inception of this fund, more than $8,000,000 has been contributed to Norfolk Catholic Schools as a result of the Foundation's work.
If you would like to make a donation to the Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation, you can mail your check to: Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation, PO Box 402, Norfolk, NE 68702 or speak to your attorney, financial planner or accountant about your giving intentions.
Board Members include:
- Dee Nedrow, President
- Don Sock, Vice President
- John Lund, Secretary
- Bill Gaines, Jr., Treasurer
- Dr. Dale Stephenson
- John Lund
- Susan Lutz
- Sue Fuchtman
- Joe Brockhaus
- Brittany Love-Wesch
For a complete history of the Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation through the years, please keep reading
The History of the Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation
At the urging of the Norfolk Catholic Schools Board of Education, led by then-Superintendent Mike Crowley, The Norfolk Catholic Schoools Foundation was founded by 10 community minded men (including Mr. Crowley) as a non-profit charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in December, 1971. The sole purpose of the foundation is to provide funding for the operation of the programs of the Norfolk Catholic Schools.
The founding members and original Board of Directors were: Bernard (Mike) Delay, Maynard Howard, Richard Mueting, Dr. Clint Wilber, Arnold Robinson, Roy Robertson, Jerry Huse, Ralph Reeves, and Burt Nixon.
All funds donated are added to the principal funds and only the interest and other earnings from investment activities utilizing the principal are spent on school programs. The principal was never intended to be invaded for any purpose. It is unlikely that any circumstance will arise that would cause the board of directors to invade the principal, thus preserving those funds for investment to earn income for the schools.
The Foundation is operated and managed by its Board of Directors. The Board consists of 4 Catholic members and 5 non-Catholic members. There are no members, no owners and no beneficiary other than the Norfolk Catholic Schools.
The Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation was the only foundation of its kind at inception in Nebraska and it has been told that it was also the first of its kind in the entire United States.
There are many similar foundations and organizations across our Parish, the State of Nebraska and the United States of America, all patterned after our Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation. Similarity in the names of various foundations of our Parish has caused confusion and some donors have told us that their donations did not get placed in the organization that they intended. Sacred Heart Parish also has their similarly named endowment, but there is only one Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation!
INVESTMENTS
The Foundation funds are currently managed by D.A. Davidson. Since 2002, we have contributed $108,000 each year to the schools programs and increased that level to $120,000 in 2006. Total contributions to the Norfolk Catholic Schools since our inception through December 31, 2023 are in excess of $8,000,000.
Contributions are the backbone of our success to date and we hope that through them we can continue to be able to offer "an educational choice".
If you would like to make a donation to the Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation, you can mail your check to: Norfolk Catholic Schools Foundation, PO Box 402, Norfolk, NE 68702 D.A. Davidson.
Norfolk Catholic School Advancement Office
Give Today
The mission of the Advancement Office is to be the primary fundraising mechanism for Norfolk Catholic School outside of tuition. The Advancement Office, through its paid staff and volunteers, coordinates the annual Fund for NC appeal, spearheads the parish and school’s planned giving efforts, and holds several events throughout the year.
Meet the Staff
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Development Coordinator
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Offices are located inside both Norfolk Catholic School (402-371-9256) and the Sacred Heart Parish Office (402-371-2621). Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to schedule an appointment.
| 2025 Year-End Update | Fundraising Event Report | Give today to Norfolk Catholic School |
Spirit
The 36th annual Spirit auction gala fundraiser will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Norfolk Catholic Activities Center.
The purpose of this event is to (a) provide budget relief for school operating expenses, and (b) address capital improvements for the school.
In the last five years, Spirit has raised nearly $1.18 million toward operating expenses and more than $600,000 toward capital improvements such as playground equipment, replacing vehicles, and building a new bus barn and storage shed. Spirit features dinner, a live and silent auction, cash prize raffle, and more activities. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Cadillac Stag
The 51st annual Cadillac Stag was held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Norfolk Country Club.
Cadillac Stag is a fun time for people to come together and celebrate Norfolk Catholic School in a relaxed, business casual event.
This year, the Cadillac Stag included a watch party for the Nebraska at Southern California men's basketball game and a $25,000 grand prize drawing held following the game, along with more chances to win throughout the afternoon and evening such as split the pot, scoreboard game, prize raffles and more.
Tickets are $150 each and include admittance to the event, a buffet of appetizers, beverages, and a chance to win $25,000. This event, including the grand prize raffle, is limited to 400 tickets.
Hall of Fame
The 11th annual Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Norfolk Catholic Activities Center.
The Norfolk Catholic Hall of Fame has annually recognized athletes and alumni since 2015 who, according to the organization’s bylaws, have achieved distinction in their lives through significant contributions in their career, community and personal achievements, teams that achieved high distinction during their respective season, staff members and supporters who made significant contributions to the school.
The Norfolk Catholic Hall of Fame is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that includes school administrators, alumni, and past inductees.
For more information, to view past inductees, or nominate someone, click here to view the Hall of Fame site.
NEBRASKA CATHOLIC DAY OF GIVING
The Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving is a collaborative effort among the three dioceses in the state. Last year, more than $1 million was raised between the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Dioceses of Lincoln and Grand Island. The 2026 Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving will be held on May 6.
Norfolk Area Big Give
The Norfolk Area Big Give is held by the Philanthropy Council of Northeast Nebraska, a group of more than 30 non-profit organizations which has included Norfolk Catholic representatives among its leadership in recent years. In just the past five years, Norfolk Catholic has raised nearly $290,000 for needed safety improvements on campus. The 2026 Norfolk Area Big Give will be held May 14-19.
Online Giving
DONATE TODAY!
The mission of the Advancement Office is to be the primary fundraising mechanism for Norfolk Catholic School outside of tuition. The Advancement Office, through its paid staff and volunteers, coordinates the annual Fund for NC appeal, spearheads the parish and school’s planned giving efforts, and holds several events throughout the year.
Ways to Give
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| Give by Mail | Donate Online |
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Norfolk Catholic Schools |
Fund for NC NCS Endowment |
The Fund for NC
For almost a century, a Norfolk Catholic School education has opened the doors and broadened horizons for generations of students whose families sought the Good News of Jesus Christ as a regular part of their experience. Our culture was built upon learning and applying Catholic principles to daily life, growing in academic prowess, and putting forth our best in extra-curricular competition. The end goal remains alumni spreading the Gospel through their words and actions as living examples of our mission statement Walking With You to Meet Jesus.
In order to offer Catholic education, we must charge tuition to our families. However, the tuition that is charged to our families does not equate to the entire cost to educate each student. Norfolk Catholic relies on Sacred Heart Parish and its advancement office to fill the gap between the tuition charged and the actual cost of education.
The Fund for NC is the advancement office's mechanism for donations earmarked toward Norfolk Catholic. These donations go to immediate operating expenses, including compensation for our faculty and staff, routine maintenance, utilities, and other expenses to ensure the viability of Norfolk Catholic.
Donations may be made via cash, check, or electronic giving. Gifts to the Fund for NC are accepted at any time, and these contributions may be tax-deductible.
For more information or to make a gift, contact Nick Benes in the Norfolk Catholic Advancement Office at 402-371-9256 or at the Sacred Heart Parish Office 402-371-2621.