Endowment Funds
Generous gifts to the Academy Endowment directly support the future of Saint Christopher Academy and its students by securing the long-term financial sustainability of the school. A strong endowment facilitates visionary planning for school success and allows Saint Chris to weather fluctuations in enrollment by lessening dependence on tuition revenue. Every endowment gift is fully invested and the principal is not spent. Instead, each fund generates annual interest income that is used toward that fund’s designated purpose. A donation to the endowment is truly a legacy gift to the future…benefiting generations of Saint Chris students and teachers for years to come.
Saint Christopher currently has endowment funds which support teacher salaries, tuition assistance, and scholarships. Donors are welcome to add gifts to any of our already established funds. Naming opportunities for new endowment funds are available for donations of greater than $25,000.
Faculty Endowment: The faculty endowment at Saint Christopher Academy provides salary support for teachers, allowing the school to hire and retain inspiring and highly qualified teachers for the benefit of our students.
Saint Christopher Academy Fund for Teachers: Established in 2023, this fund was seeded by an investment of Academy monies by the school’s Board of Directors in order to offer faculty salaries competitive with area public schools. The Fund for Teachers grows through generous donors as well as through the proceeds of our annual Day of Giving during Catholic Schools Week. Many choose to make gifts in honor of teachers who touched the lives of students and families in an extraordinary way. To make a secure online gift directly to the Saint Christopher Academy Fund for Teachers, please click HERE.
Keegan Family Faculty Fund: Created in 2023, the Keegan Family Faculty Fund was established with a generous donation of $437,500 by Brendan (‘81) and Dana Keegan and their children Kaylie (‘15) and Patrick (‘17) through the Keegan Family Courage & Faith Foundation. Long-time supporters of Saint Christopher and its teachers, the Keegan family believes that Saint Christopher Academy's most important resource is the school's faculty who mold young children along their educational journey. The Keegans embrace the Academy’s efforts as a private catholic school to offer faculty salaries competitive with area public school districts and other private schools. Supporters looking to make a long-term impact on Saint Christopher Academy through the building of an endowment in support of our faculty are invited to join the Keegans by contributing to the Keegan Family Faculty Fund HERE.
The Edward and Marian Kelley Fund: Established in the Spring of 2023, this fund was created by Msgr. Richard J. Kelley in loving memory of his parents, Edward and Marian Kelley. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley were devout Catholics and raised two sons who became priests, Msgr. Richard J. Kelley and Msgr. Edward Kelley. Msgr. Richard Kelley was pastor of St. Christopher Parish for many years and an ardent supporter of the school. He is pleased to be able to honor his parents with a gift to assist of the teachers at Saint Christopher Academy. Donors who would like to honor Msgr. Kelley and his parents with a gift to the Edward and Marian Kelley Fund are invited to click HERE to donate.
Tuition Assistance: Saint Chris believes that it is essential for Catholic education to be affordable to all families, regardless of financial circumstances. Tuition assistance funds allow us to extend Catholic education to those who would not ordinarily be able to afford it and to reward students who demonstrate the values and scholarship of a Saint Chris education.
Velma Smith Fund: This fund, created through a legacy gift in the will of Velma Smith, provides financial aid for students who cannot afford full tuition at the Academy.
Nancy Garceau Scholarship Fund - This fund was established in February 2022 following the passing of Pre-kindergarten aide Nancy Garceau. Nancy came to Saint Chris eight years prior to her death after a successful 45-year career with Sanders Associates/Lockheed Martin/BAE Systems where she retired as Executive Secretary to the company president. Nancy was a vibrant presence in our school and always went above and beyond to support the students and staff of Saint Chris. The family established the fund at Saint Christopher Academy for the benefit of underprivileged students through tuition assistance. The family has asked those who wish to honor Nancy to contribute to that fund. Donations can be made online by clicking HERE.
Scholarships: As a prekindergarten to grade 8 Catholic school, Saint Christopher Academy provides a solid academic and moral foundation for students. We are committed to supporting students as they move from the halls of Saint Chris to their next academic pursuit in high school. We are especially proud to recognize those students who chose to continue their Catholic education at a local Catholic high school by providing tuition assistance in the form of a scholarship.
Helen J. Horan Scholarship: Established in 2006 by a legacy gift in the will of longtime Nashua Catholic Regional Junior High School chaplain Rev. Denis Horan, this scholarship honors Fr. Horan’s Sister, Helen J. Horan. The scholarship provides an annual $1,000 tuition award, renewable for four years, to a graduating 8th grade student who is continuing on to a Catholic high school. The award is given based on scholarship, leadership, and character.
Other Funds: Saint Christopher Academy is pleased to offer additional funds for other programs and efforts to benefit our students. These funds may be established by the school or by a group of donors for specific purposes.
Deb M-C Fund for Servant Leadership - In late August of 2022, we lost beloved theology teacher and dear friend Deb Matson-Champagne. A gifted teacher and department chair at Nashua Catholic and Saint Christopher Academy for more than 25 years, Deb gave of herself endlessly, and with great humility, to our students, their families, and our staff. The Deb M-C Fund for Servant Leadership was established in Deb's memory through the donation of an anonymous donor. The fund provides opportunities for students and staff to initiate and carry out acts of service for their peers, the school, the church, and the greater community. Inspired by Deb's compassionate heart, we continue her example of humble service to others as we cultivate her loving spirit and leadership in our students. Donations can be made online by clicking HERE.