The Good Shepherd Foundation
Supporting Our Staff and School

What is the Good Shepherd Foundation?

The Good Shepherd Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation that was formed in 2000 by a group of Good Shepherd parents who sought to establish an organization to raise funds to benefit the Good Shepherd teachers, staff, and school. It is a separate entity from the parish, school, and PTO and it raises funds for specific purposes set forth in its original Articles of Incorporation.

What is the purpose and mission of the Good Shepherd Foundation?

According to its original Articles of Incorporation, the Foundation’s purposes are “to recruit educators for the Good Shepherd School, retain the School’s educators” and to “benefit and improve the School, its curriculum, its facilities, its services, its educators and staff training, and programs.” The Foundation raises funds through an annual auction fundraiser and seeks to reward and retain teachers and staff as well as fund specific improvements to the school as a whole.

Who governs the activities of the Good Shepherd Foundation?

The Foundation is run by a board of 10 trustees, which, in accordance with original by-laws, includes 9 voting members (8 parents as well as the Good Shepherd pastor) and 1 non-voting member (the Good Shepherd principal). The Foundation holds regular meetings that are open to the public every other month.

Where does the money raised by the Foundation go?

Funds raised are allocated consistent with the original purposes of the Foundation. A set sum goes to fund teacher continuing education programs. A percentage of remaining funds goes to teacher and staff retention bonuses, which are awarded to returning staff and teachers in the fall. Another percentage of remaining funds goes to school improvement projects consistent with the mission and purposes of the Foundation. Finally, a smaller percentage of remaining funds is set aside for the Foundation’s endowment, which is essentially an investment fund for future projects. There is no cap on the total amount of funds that may be raised and so the more we raise, the more our teachers, staff, and school will benefit.

Why should I support the Foundation’s Gala?

It is an important opportunity for you to support your staff and support your school. Our teachers and staff demonstrate their commitment to our children every day and, in accordance with Archdiocese salary guidelines, they are compensated at levels lower than many public and other school systems. A significant portion of the funds raised at the auction are used for teacher continuing education programs and to supplement teacher and staff income through retention bonuses. Moreover, the school has a limited budget that goes primarily toward operation costs and therefore the school relies on the fundraising efforts of entities such as the PTO, the Athletic Committee and the Foundation to support school improvement projects.

How can I support the Gala?

You can support the Gala by buying tickets to our event this year, by selling and buying raffle tickets, by purchasing Class Creations, by participating in Teacher Treasures and auction parties, and by sponsoring the event. Most of all, please come to the event prepared to mingle with teachers and staff and to have fun with other Good Shepherd families!

If you have any questions or concerns or are interested in serving on the board, please contact any Foundation board member at any time. Thank you for your support!