The foundation was founded in 1976 when lay leaders in the Greater Lafayette community formed the Lafayette Area Catholic Schools Foundation, Inc. Nearly four decades later the foundation continues to be driven by the generosity of the Catholic community – our fellow parents, alumni, parishioners and friends, who support a range of causes to empower and enrich the educational experience within the Lafayette Catholic School System.

The Foundation benefits from the strategic input and oversight of a Board of Directors. The Board consists of clergy, school and lay leaders from various backgrounds, including accountants, lawyers, investment managers, business owners, and developers.

The Foundation operates as an independent 501(c)(3) organization and holds itself to the highest standards of accountability and transparency. A fiscal audit is conducted annually and information is readily available through the annual meeting and LCSS Advancement Office.

With the guidance of professional investment managers, the Foundation holds and invests permanent endowments and long term investments on behalf of the Lafayette Catholic School System. Because it manages funds from many entities under one umbrella, the Foundation is able to effectively diversify its portfolio, optimize its investment return, and minimize investment fees. Permanent endowment funds manage all contributed funds in perpetuity and distribute only the income from their funds based upon an asset allocation which is reviewed annually. 

The Foundation holds unrestricted, restricted, and donor-named endowment funds in the name of individuals or families in support of particular programs or strategic initiatives of the Lafayette Catholic School System.