Endowments
Why Give to the Endowment?
A gift to Canterbury’s endowment is a powerful investment in the school’s future. It supports the long-term financial health of our community by providing a permanent source of income that helps sustain accessibility, enhance academic programming, attract and retain exceptional faculty, and care for our beautiful campus. Most importantly, a strong endowment allows Canterbury to continue delivering an outstanding educational experience for generations to come.
The Joan and Richard Davis and Frank L. Romano Scholarship Fund
Originally created by Canterbury parents of alumni Joan and Richard Davis, this scholarship fund was later combined with the Frank L. Romano Scholarship Fund to honor former Head of School Frank L. Romano, who tragically passed away while serving the school. The Joan and Richard Davis Scholarship is awarded annually to a ninth-grade student demonstrating excellence in mathematics, while the Frank L. Romano Scholarship recognizes an outstanding ninth-grade student overall. Both scholarships are four-year awards that follow the student throughout their time at Canterbury.
The Mueller Endowment Fund
Established in 2013 by Karl Mueller ’91, Joseph Mueller ’99, Andy Mueller ’01, Joy Mueller Mendoza ’02, and Matt Mueller ’04, this fund honors their parents, John and Mary Mueller, and the lasting impact a Canterbury education had on their lives. Inspired by gratitude and a desire to give back, the siblings created this endowed fund to support need-based financial aid. The Mueller Endowment Fund helps ensure future generations of students can access the transformative opportunities Canterbury provides, continuing a meaningful cycle of education and giving.
The General Endowment Fund
Funded through the generosity of many donors, including contributions from the school’s ABC Capital Campaign, the General Endowment Fund plays a vital role in Canterbury’s long-term financial sustainability. Unlike restricted funds designated for specific purposes, this unrestricted endowment allows the school to apply annual distributions toward core operating expenses such as faculty salaries, academic programs, arts, athletics, technology, and campus maintenance. Because tuition alone does not fully cover the cost of a Canterbury education, this fund is essential in bridging the gap, reducing reliance on tuition increases, and supporting the school’s mission for generations to come.
The EE Ford Grant Fund
Created in 2014 as part of a 5:1 matching grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation, this fund supports professional development at Canterbury. Through the generosity of a small group of donors, $250,000 was raised and matched with an additional $50,000 by the foundation. Of the total raised, $250,000 is endowed and generates annual income to sustain faculty development. The matched $50,000 is a temporarily restricted fund, intended to be spent in full for its designated purpose of advancing professional growth among faculty.
The Alumni Scholarship Fund
Established by longtime Canterbury supporters David and Linda Lucas, this endowed scholarship recognizes two outstanding graduating seniors each year. David and Linda are both parents and grandparents of Canterbury alumni, and their dedication to education and the school spans more than four decades. David has served on the Board of Trustees for over 40 years. During the graduation ceremony each year, two seniors are awarded $2,000 annually for four years of undergraduate study to help offset the cost of college tuition.
The Fund For Faculty Excellence
Launched as a senior class gift by the Class of 2019 and their families, the Fund for Faculty Excellence is an endowed fund that honors Canterbury’s exceptional faculty. It includes contributions from cash gifts, pledges, and an irrevocable planned gift. The fund has continued to grow through support from senior class families, grandparents, parents of alumni, and friends of the school. Once it reaches the $100,000 cash threshold, it will be officially named and begin making annual distributions in recognition of outstanding faculty contributions.
Ethan and Joyce Jackson Family Scholarship Fund
Established in 2023 through a generous gift from Ethan and Joyce Jackson, this permanent endowment reflects the donors’ deep commitment to expanding access to a Canterbury education. The Jackson Family Scholarship Fund provides need-based financial aid to help ensure talented and deserving students have the opportunity to thrive in Canterbury’s caring and academically rigorous community for years to come.
DiBenedetto Family Red Sox Foundation Minority Scholarship
Created in 2022 through a generous $50,000 gift from the Red Sox Foundation, through the Linda and Tom DiBenedetto family, this endowed scholarship supports minority students, with a preference for student-athletes, based on financial need. The DiBenedetto Family Red Sox Foundation Minority Scholarship is awarded annually and reflects Canterbury’s commitment to character, leadership, service, and broadening access to its educational mission.
For more information on endowment giving, please contact George Pappas, Associate Head of School,
at 239-481-4323 ext. 718 or gpappas@canterburyfortmyers.org.