VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Through the Diocese of Wilmington’s Education Trust Fund, Vision for the Future, tuition assistance is offered to families whose children attend Catholic elementary and secondary schools and  who demonstrate financial need to afford the full cost of tuition.

Funds held within the trust and restricted to the support of tuition assistance, combined with those raised through the annual diocesan Share in the Spirit collection, are distributed annually.

Applications for tuition assistance are now available for the  2013-2014 school year through the  parish and regional elementary schools and  the parish and diocesan high schools.  Applicants should be , low- and middle-income families who are .in need of tuition assistance to meet tuition costs.

For more information about Vision for the Future, or to see if you qualify for assistance, please contact the diocesan Development Office at (302) 573-3121 or email Rita Mendoza, Assistant to the Director, at rmendoza@cdow.org

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vision for the Future Education Fund?

The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington began the Vision for the Future Education Fund in the early 1990s with gifts from several private foundations, corporations and individuals. The diocese uses income generated from the fund to provide tuition assistance to qualified families so their children can attend  parish and regional elementary schools and parish and diocesan high schools. Funds used for the purpose of tuition assistance are also acquired through the diocese's annual Share in the Spirit collection which occurs the fourth weekend of September.

How significant is the need?

This current school year, $573,000 was provided in tuition assistance to the families of 297 students. While this support is significant, there were more than 600 other children whose families qualified for aid, but unfortunately, there was not enough money available to help them. A financial evaluation of all applicants determined that more than $3.2 million would have been needed to meet the needs of all qualifying families.

How is financial aid determined?

The diocese contracts with an independent organization to review tuition assistance applications and to evaluate each applicant's financial need. Upon evaluation completion, awards are then made by the diocese based on the family's financial need and the amount of money available for distribution from the diocese's Education Trust. All applicants are notified accordingly by the diocesan development office by mid-May. 

Don't schools and parishes have their own tuition assistance funds?

Parishes and schools do set aside a portion of their budgets to provide tuition assistance for needy families. However, most schools do not have sufficient funds to meet the requests received.  How do I apply for tuition assistance for my family?

Tuition assistance applications are now being accepted for the upcoming  2013-2014 school year. Families with children registered in a parish, regional or diocesan school who believe they are in need of financial aid are encouraged to apply.

To be considered for tuition assistance, parents must submit an application to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment for evaluation. Paper applications are now available in your school's business office. However, families are encouraged to apply online at www.factstuitionaid.com. FACTS representatives are available to guide every applicant through the process and to answer questions. Simply call 1-866-315-9262 or email info@factstuitionaid.com.

Once your application has been completed, you will be required to mail the following information:

· Copies of your most recent tax forms including all supporting tax schedules

· Copies of your 2012 W-2 forms for both you and your spouse

· Copies of supporting documentation for Social Security Income, Welfare, Child Support, Food Stamps, Workers’ Compensation, and TANF

· Non-refundable payment of the $25 application fee 

· Signed and completed paper application (unless you have applied online)

Applications and all required documentation must be received by FACTS no later than March 1, 2013. Applications received after March 1 cannot be considered for tuition assistance through the diocese.

For more information, call the diocesan development office at 302-573-3121 or email Rita Mendoza, Assistant to the Director, at rmendoza@cdow.org.

Can I make Vision for the Future part of my estate planning?

Yes. Call Deborah A. Fols, Diocesan Development Director, at (302) 573-3125 or write her at dfols@cdow.org