The Catholic Diocese of Madison Foundation (CDMF) is thrilled to be able to highlight one of our newer funds, which has already started to make a positive impact in the lives of students at Catholic schools in our diocese.

This fund is the Janice M. Weichmann-Werlein Catholic Education Music & Art Fund, which provides grants for art and music programming and supplies to Catholic schools in the Diocese of Madison.

The CDMF made grants from this fund for the first time this year to three different schools.

Sacred Heart School in Reedsburg received $500 for art supplies to help start an art club at the school.

Blessed Trinity School in Dane received $500 for new musical instruments and art supplies.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Monona received $1,000 for new musical instruments.

Upon hearing the news of being a grant recipient, Daniella Binzak, music teacher at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, said, “Thank you so much for this incredible news. The students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School will all benefit from this investment in the music program, and I look forward to the opportunities this brings.”

Enriching schools

The CDMF Grant Review Committee reviewed applications from Catholic schools and made the granting determinations based on available funds and the strength of the applications.

The goal is to have this fund make grants on a yearly basis going forward, with an application process taking place each year.

The fund will continue to grow with the CDMF as it is invested and as contributions continue to come in each year.

This fund was started by an individual wishing to honor a loved one who died and who had a special affinity for music and art in the Diocese of Madison.

Funds such as the Janice M. Weichmann-Werlein Fund leave a legacy in memory of a loved one that will continue to provide good works for years to come.

These sorts of legacy funds allow for an impact to be made in the lives of others year after year, and they are permanently in place.

Do your part to help

The minimum amount required by the CDMF to start an endowed fund is $25,000.

If you or your family have the means to do so and would like to create a permanent gift of generosity here in the Diocese of Madison, we would love to speak with you.

For others, perhaps you feel God inspiring you to give even a small amount to an already existing fund (such as the Janice M. Weichmann-Werlein Fund) that serves a worthy cause.

I would encourage you to visit our website at diocese madisonfoundation.org to see the list of funds we have.

The opportunity to give helps us all answer the call of our mission as Christians.

You are also welcome to reach out to us anytime at 608-821-3048 or grant.mcgurn@diocesemadisonfoundation.org.

We believe every financial gift is a grace-filled opportunity from God, and it would be our privilege to help you fulfill your philanthropic goals.