Frequently Asked Questions

What does my gift to CEEF do?
A gift to the Catholic Education Endowment provides a lasting gift designed to generate income for years to come.  Gifts will be added to the existing fund balance and income generated from that gift will be directed to support the religious education programs including schools of the parishes in Fort Smith, Barling and Van Buren.

How do I contribute to the Catholic Education Endowment Fund?
Contributions can be made in a variety of ways.  Donations of Cash, Property, Appreciated securities, Bequests, Insurance and Memorial contributions are the most common methods of contribution to the Catholic Education Endowment Fund.  If you have any questions about your contribution please feel free to contact any of the trustees or parish offices.

How do I make a memorial Gift to the CEEF?
Memorial contributions can be made through a representative of the local funeral homes who have been supplied memorial Cards from the CEEF or upon request from the CEEF trustee's or parish offices.  Your memorial contributions provide and enduring contribution to the future of our parishes, schools and community.

Who Directs the Catholic Education Endowment Fund?
The Catholic Education Endowment fund is managed by group of 14 trustees appointed by the parish priests and the Trinity administrator.  The Trustee's serve a three year term and come from a variety of professional backgrounds.  Professional managers manage investments with oversight from the Investment committee of trustee's.  The development committee of trustee's manages fund Development.

Can I direct my Contribution?
The CEEF is implementing a program called the 50/500 club this program allows the donor to direct there donation to any of the five parishes and Trinity Junior High.  If the donor does not wish to specify a beneficiary the donation will be incorporated into the CEEF general fund.  This program will be an annual fund development effort and distributions will be made in the year the subscription is completed.

Can I create a direct or named scholarship?
Yes!  The Catholic Education Endowment Fund is developing a program, which provides for the naming of a directed scholarship as either a memorial scholarship or family living scholarship.

How is the Fund organized?
The fund is organized as a not for profit trust granted by Bishop Andrew McDonald in 1989.  The trust was created through the united efforts of the parishes within Fort Smith, Baling and Van Buren and is operated by trustees in accordance with established trust Documents and bylaws.

How do I contact someone at CEEF?
A listing of the trustee's is located on the web page you can contact the trustees through a variety of means including the e-mail addresses identified.  

What is the CEEF?
The Catholic Education Endowment Fund CEEF was organized in 1988 & 1989 to provide supplementary funds to the parishes and schools.  It was designed to provide long-term financial support and assist the parishes in relieving the increasing financial burdens incurred by the schools.

Can I donate online?
Currently the CEEF is not able to accept online donations however as we continue the development of this site online donation should be added.

Can I make regular weekly donations?
Currently, CEEF is distributing donation envelopes in some of the parishes as part of the regular envelope distribution.  Upon request CEEF will forward to your attention envelopes, which can be placed in the weekly collections basket or deposited at any of the parish schools.

Can I give property to the CEEF?
Yes!  The Catholic Education Endowment Fund will accept gifts of cash, securities and real property.  CEEF will also accept bequests, memorial gifts and insurance settlement benefits.