Endowment Gifts and Scholarships

Friends of Red Cloud Indian School oftentimes wish to establish endowment funds for the students and families of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The endowments, which fund special scholarships and programming each year, provide the organization with monies they know will be there—each and every year—for eternity! Here are a few examples of recent endowments that have been established:

• The Dillon and Estelle Ross Memorial and Endowment Fund was established by Mike Ross to honor his parents. The $150,000 fund helps pay the tuition and expenses for one student at Red Cloud each year to attend the institution from kindergarten through high school graduation. Mike hopes that his parents’ inspiration is encouragement for others to do the same, whether at Red Cloud or in their own community. “Without direct support, there’s just not much that can be done to assist those on the reservation,” notes Mike. “Red Cloud is a ray of sunshine in Pine Ridge, and supporting them is a very simple way to help give each child a chance.” 
• The Fr. Bill Pauly, S.J. Memorial Fund was established to help support the Red Cloud Indian School pastoral ministry and education efforts. Fr. Bill dedicated his life to both of these efforts. In fact, his Lakota name was Wacin Yanpi (They Depend on Him), which showed the love and respect the Lakota people felt for this remarkable man who dedicated his life in ministry on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 
• The Fr. Bill McKenney, S.J. Memorial Fund was established to provide on-going support for Red Cloud Indian School. Fr. Bill knew the importance of education for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and took pride in the fact that Red Cloud provided such a strong foundation of education. A former president of the organization, he was honored with the Lakota name Oyate Waste Kilapi (Beloved of the People). 
• The Br. C.M. Simon, S.J. Memorial Fund was established to benefit The Heritage Center. Br. Simon was instrumental in organizing the Red Cloud Indian Art Show and eventually, The Heritage Center, which has grown to be one of the premier Native American art galleries in the country. 

To learn how you can start an endowment fund, please contact Jane Farrell, General Counsel, at 605/867-1105 ext. 2304 or rcgiving@redcloudschool.org.