Role of St. Mary’s Academy Foundation Inc. in the funding ecosystem
St. Mary’s Academy Foundation Inc. is a charitable foundation established in July 1989 to help St. Mary’s Academy maintain its long-standing tradition of excellence in Catholic education for young women in grades 7 to 12. Operating alongside the school in Winnipeg, the Foundation manages financial assets and coordinates fundraising efforts to provide sustained, mission‑aligned support.
The Foundation directs resources to several priority areas: bursaries and tuition assistance for students with financial need, enhancements to academic and co‑curricular programs, initiatives that deepen the faith development of staff, and on‑going capital repairs to the Academy’s historic buildings and grounds. It also oversees and helps finance major capital projects that ensure the campus remains safe, modern and suited to contemporary learning.
Funding themes and beneficiaries
Funding provided by the Foundation is focused on strengthening access to an SMA education and improving the quality of the school experience. This includes financial aid for families, support for enriched educational opportunities and facilities, and investments in the spiritual and professional growth of teachers and staff. Through these streams, the Foundation ultimately benefits current and future students of St. Mary’s Academy and the wider school community.
As a registered charitable organization, the Foundation relies on the generosity of alumnae, parents, friends and other donors. Gifts are solicited through a variety of channels promoted on the school’s “Support Us” pages, and are stewarded under the guidance of a volunteer board of directors with expertise in governance, finance and community leadership.
Governance and accountability
The St. Mary’s Academy Foundation Inc. is governed by its own Board of Directors, distinct from the school’s corporate board but closely coordinated with it. The Foundation sits within a broader stewardship structure created by the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, which appoints members and receives annual reports to ensure that financial support and funded projects are consistent with the mission and governing philosophy of St. Mary’s Academy and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Through this governance framework, the Foundation provides transparent, accountable financial support that helps the Academy remain accessible, vibrant and sustainable for future generations of students.