The Gift of an NDP Education

Committed to Catholic education and the School Sisters of Notre Dame charism of unity, we are always working to make an education at Notre Dame Preparatory School more accessible. We know that it is impossible for low-income families and very often for middle-income families to pay full tuition.

This year, Notre Dame Prep received an unprecedented number of requests for financial aid from the families of prospective and existing students. We received financial aid applications from 55% of 2021–22 Upper Level applicants, and presently, more than 45% of our Upper Level students receive some level of need-based financial aid. Such requests have also grown among our Middle Level applicants.

One of the most meaningful contributions you can make to Notre Dame Preparatory School is a gift that makes an NDP education possible for a student who desires it. There are two ways you can provide that gift—through the Sister Helen Marie Duffy Student Sponsorship Program or through the establishment of an endowed scholarship.

Introducing the Sister Helen Marie Duffy Student Sponsorship Program

Through this new program, individuals, families, foundations, and businesses can sponsor a student for four years in the Upper Level or for seven years starting in the Middle Level. Sponsorship grants can cover a portion or all of a student’s annual tuition at $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000 per year.^*

This program honors former headmistress Sister Helen Marie Duffy, SSND, who served NDP for 59 years until her retirement in 1995. Beloved by many for her caring, compassionate nature, Sister Helen Marie believed in the transformational work of NDP and that an NDP education helps our students achieve their full potential.

Establishing an Endowed Scholarship Fund

Through endowed scholarship funds, donors can perpetuate their support to Notre Dame and strengthen our school’s ability to support young women today and for many years to come. An endowed scholarship fund, once established, becomes part of NDP’s permanent endowment, with proceeds supporting NDP students in perpetuity. An individual endowment fund may be established with a minimum gift of $25,000 and can be supplemented over time.

Generally, an endowed scholarship fund is invested for four years before earnings are awarded to a student as a scholarship. However, some of our endowed scholarship donors may choose to sponsor a student through the Sister Helen Marie Duffy Student Sponsorship Program in the interim, when their endowed scholarship funds are initially invested and until those scholarships are awarded.

Connecting Students With Their Benefactors

In the fall of each year, NDP hosts a special luncheon where benefactors and scholarship or grant recipients meet. This event allows for relationships to form between our donors and students, bringing to life the generosity our friends have for both NDP and her students. Our students also correspond with their benefactors throughout their years at NDP.

If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring a student through the Sister Helen Marie Duffy Student Sponsorship Program or by establishing a permanent endowed scholarship fund, contact Roxanne Fiddler at 410.583.8797 or fiddlerr@notredameprep.com.

^*Donors do not select sponsored students; rather, sponsored students are assigned by NDP.