Volusia Catholic School Endowment Fund

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church pastor and Dean of the Eastern Deanery, Father Matthew Mello, collaborated with priests and laity to establish for Volusia County school ministry the Volusia County Catholic Schools Endowment Fund. Distributions from the Volusia County Catholic Schools Endowment Fund are designated for the following purposes: • Ongoing support for tuition assistance  • Technological enhancements at Catholic schools.  Notwithstanding these specified purposes the endowment committee may designate the use of distributions for another purpose deemed relevant and necessary to ensure the proper support for students and Catholic schools in Volusia County.

The Knights of Columbus – Our Lady of Hope Council 8086, led by Grand Knight Ernie Jackson, were instrumental in helping to build this fund through their annual Casino Night! At the 2025 event, they announced a generous anonymous matching gift of $15,000 for the newly established Volusia County Catholic School Endowment Fund. Guests raised $10,426 at the event and the additional amount was donated in the weeks following which allowed the fund to grow by more than $30,000. As the endowment grows, so does the impact it will have on our Catholic schools!

Catholic education plays a vital role in shaping the hearts and minds of young people, offering not only strong academic foundations but also nurturing their spiritual growth. By supporting this endowment, donors are helping ensure that future generations of students will have access to an education that emphasizes both intellectual development and moral values rooted in faith.

Every gift, no matter the size, brings us closer to ensuring that Catholic education remains a strong beacon of hope and excellence for Volusia County. Thank you once again for your generosity and support. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of students, their families, and our faith community!

If you are interested in contributing to the growth of the Volusia County Catholic School Endowment Fund, donations can be made online (below) or via a gift of stock, IRA qualified charitable distribution, donor advised fund, etc. If you have questions, contact Madelyn Weed, CFRE, CAP at (407) 246-7188.

Checks payable to “CFOCF” with a memo of “Volusia School Endowment” can be sent to:

The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida
P.O. Box 4905
Orlando, FL 32802-4905