Who Can Benefit

Your gift to the Foundation creates opportunities for children to receive a Christian education when the family does not have sufficient funds.  Through our donor partnerships, we have been able to provide needed supplies for teachers and students to enhance their educational experience.  Academic achievement is also recognized through scholarships to students in grades six through twelve in Christian schools.  We have successfully expanded the Outreach Mission of the Church through your gifts.

Foundation grants are designed to provide essential support for:

• K-12 student tuition
• School supplies and textbooks
• Classroom technology and science equipment
• Musical instruments and PE equipment
• Classroom improvements and facilities
• Teacher continuing education needs

Building on the Legacy of the Education Foundation

The results of your support of Foundation activities can be seen in the lives of the many recipients.

The parents of two children in Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran School tearfully met with the Principal to inform him that the father had lost his job and their children would be leaving the school because they could no longer afford the tuition.  They were very happy to hear that the Foundation had funds set aside for emergency use.  The children continue to attend Shepherd of the Desert.

Parents of a first year public high school attendee applied for and received financial support for their daughter who was not enjoying her high school experience academically or socially.  A large student/teacher ratio did not help her academics.  In the first year at Valley Lutheran, her grades went from C’s to A’s and B’s.  She became a permanent member on the honor roll to her graduation day.  Her grateful parents say that the financial support she received changed her life.  She is studying to become a Christian elementary school teacher.

Education Tax Credit Campaign Success! The Shepherd of the Desert Education Foundation’s annual Private School Tuition Tax Credit campaign was a great success this year.  The $138,950 received exceeded the Foundation’s goal by $3,950 and set a new record for the Foundation.  But the record setting didn’t end there.  The 183 people directing their state tax credit to the Foundation set a new record for total donors.  Another record fell as we saw 66 people participate in the program for the first time.  Way to go Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran!  Most importantly, the amount received is nearly $19,000 more than last year which will allow the Foundation to help up to 15 additionl students during the next school year.  A big THANK YOU to everyone who made a decision and took the time to direct tuition tax credits to the Shepherd of the Desert Education Foundation!