OUR HISTORY

Archdiocesan leaders believed that creating a sustainable model of funding was the only way for Catholic schools to survive, and to continue to transform the lives of families and students and faithfully build communities for generations to come.

The Omaha Archdiocesan Educational Foundation was established in 1975 to underwrite and strengthen the educational programs and services of the Department of Education and of individual school programs, as well as underwrite new services and new facilities for Catholic education.

1975

The Omaha Archdiocesan Educational Foundation (OAEF) is founded by educational development pioneer Msgr. John Flynn, who served the archdiocese as director of Education.

OAEF Founding Board of Trustees
The Most Rev. Daniel Sheehan
President: Mr. Thomas Burke
Vice President: Rev. James Cain
Secretary-Treasurer: Rev. John Flynn
Mr. Leo A. Daly
Mr. John Diesing
Rev. Thomas DeBacker
Rev. Robert Gass
Mr. Leo Dowd Mr. Lloyd Skinner Mr. V.J. Skutt

1977

February 1977
Jerry Jarc joins the department as Foundation Officer for the OAEF.

December 1977
Through a gift of an 80-acre farm, valued at more than $100,000, Columbus businessman and church leader, Leo Dowd, establishes a fund within the Foundation to benefit Columbus Scotus High School. This is the Foundation’s largest gift to date!

1978-1979

1978
The inaugural Archbishop’s Dinner for Education is held and quickly grows over the years.

Challenge 78:
A major gifts campaign is launched. Initial pledges and gifts bring Foundation assets to more than $200,000 by June 30, 1978.

1979
Challenge 78 committee members continue a campaign for major gifts, bringing assets to $466,000.

1980-1982

1980
OAEF’s first year of distributions
Distributed: $48,224
Assets: $486,136

Sr. Helen Spengler is named Foundation Officer

1981-1982
Distributed: $57,959
Assets: $620,000

Third year that the OAEF makes grants to school and parish programs

Tuition assistance awarded in 1982 totals $15,000 (73 students from 10 schools)

1985-1986

Assets surpass $1 million
Distributed:
$77,718
Assets:
$1 million

152 tuition assistance awards

Total distributed in first decade (1980-1990): $1,079,594

1994-1995

1994-1995
Distributed:
$463,017
Assets:
$9.2 million

1995
Msgr. Flynn Tuition Assistance Fund
The Msgr. Flynn Tuition Assistance Fund is established by the OAEF to benefit families in need of financial assistance to send their children to Catholic schools. This donor-named fund does what Msgr. Flynn did throughout his storied career—help children attain a Catholic education.

Ron Worthington is named Foundation Officer.

1996-1997

1996
The Omaha Archdiocesan Parish Foundation (OAPF) is founded and established by Archbishop Elden Francis Curtiss. This expands the Foundation’s ability to serve the parishes within the archdiocese by providing pastors the option of professional investment management and oversight of their parish endowment funds.

1997
In September, Msgr. John Flynn passes away at the age of 71. His vision to make Catholic education attainable touched the lives of many.

1996

Sr. Helen Marie Spengler, OSM Fund
A donor-named fund is established in the name of Sr. Helen Marie Spengler, of the Servants of Mary and administrator of the OAEF and OAPF. The fund supports both Catholic elementary and high school tuition assistance, as well as the OAEF grant program

2007-2013

2007
Distributed:
$1.125 million
Assets:
approximately $20 million

2009
Archbishop George J. Lucas is welcomed to the Archdiocese of Omaha and joins the OAEF/OAPF board as chairman.

2013
The OAPF has grown to manage 44 funds while the OAEF manages 127 funds.

2016-2017

2016
The Foundation receives a $1 million gift from the estate of John and Ann Marie Daly and establishes the John and Ann Marie Daly Endowment Fund to benefit Catholic elementary schools in the Omaha metro.

2017
The OAEF/OAPF Investment/Finance Committee initiates Catholic Values investment guidelines for all Foundation investments.

2019-2020

2019
Tim Bogatz named Foundation Office
The OAEF manages 142 funds
The OAPF manages 58 funds

2020
Distributed:
$1.6 million
Assets:
$35 million

The OAEF/OAPF is renamed the Catholic Futures Foundation of Northeast Nebraska signaling a new era focused on service and growth, faithfully building the communities of northeast Nebraska and transforming lives.

2021

The first ministry fund is established to support the Poor Clare Nuns of Omaha.

2022

Bonnie Nebuda is named Foundation Officer.

2023

The Foundation receives historic gift of $1.75 million from Leonard and Adele Hassenstab.  A fund was established in their name “to assist St. Francis Catholic School in Humphrey, Nebraska, by providing an annual distribution for the specific purpose of offsetting the operating expenses of St. Francis Catholic School.”

LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE

It all starts with a conversation. We want to learn what matters most to you and, as your partner, connect you with giving opportunities that will help you achieve your charitable objectives. Whether you are interested in giving to an existing fund or want to learn about creating your own fund, we can help guide you toward making a gift that is most meaningful to you.

To learn more about how you can positively impact the future of our Church and help transform lives, please contact us or fill out and submit this form.

Bonnie Nebuda
Foundation Officer
402.557.5650 Ext. 1917
Email

2222 N. 111th St.
Omaha, NE 68164

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