MERCHANTVILLE St Peter Elementary School was recently awarded a $25,000 grant that will help fund the schools advancement program. The grant is part of an initiative designed by Catholic School Development Program (CSDP).
In addition, CSDP will provide pro bono counsel in advancement, strategic planning and governance.
CSDP is an extension of the International Education Foundation (IEF), a non-profit corporation dedicated to the spiritual, intellectual, and physical well-being of children throughout the world.
St. Peter School is the first elementary school in the Camden Diocese to partner with the CSDP. The schools newly-created advancement office will begin to incorporate the CSDPs model for strategic planning.
The CSDP model supports the existing foundation of the school while offering a means to enhance educational programs, increase revenues, and strengthen school management and governance.
Robert T. Healey is the primary benefactor of CSDP. After practicing law for 25 years, he and his brother established Viking Yacht Company.
A 1947 alumnus of Camden Catholic High School, Healey brought the concept of institutional advancement to his alma mater in 1999, and the school experienced a positive response to enrollment and funding efforts.
In 2004, Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, received consulting services and a grant from the CSDP. The organization also is working with the Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y.
We are very pleased to work with St. Peters to further its mission and the mission of schools in the entire diocese, Healey said. Our schools impact their students in a very significant way and also positively affect their communities.
This is an opportunity to build a bigger and better future, said Staci Almquist, advancement director for St. Peter School.
Almquist, who came to this new position from northern New Jersey, said the creation of an advancement office will provide new ways to promote the school.
The dioceses Catholic School Office is working closely with the CSDP as we plan for the future of our schools, said Sister Dawn Gear, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden.