Anonymous $7.5 million donation to support Catholic schools in Fort Smith
by January 22, 2026 6:56 pm 1,335 views
Three Catholic schools in Fort Smith have received a $7.5 million gift to establish a permanent endowment for tuition assistance, science and technology classes, and to support the “general needs of the schools.”
The donor wishes to remain anonymous, according to a news release from the schools.
“This endowment is about long-term stewardship and responsibility,” noted a statement from the representative of the donor. “By establishing an independent structure with professional fiduciary oversight, the funder intends to create a stable and reliable source of support that strengthens Catholic education in Fort Smith for generations to come.”
The gift is part of a plan to provide long-term financial stability to the schools. Endowment administration will be through First National Bank of Fort Smith (F1RSTNB) and its trust and wealth management department. The endowment is expected to provide annual support with investment earnings rather than using the principal donation, according to the press release.
“The endowment represents a long-term investment in the sustainability, accessibility, and mission delivery of local Catholic schools serving the Fort Smith community,” noted the news release. “This structure was intentionally designed to provide long-term stability, fiduciary oversight, and consistent annual support while preserving donor intent.”
Catholic schools to benefit from the endowment are Christ the King Catholic School (age 18 months through grade 5), Immaculate Conception Catholic School (age 18 months through grade 5), and Trinity Catholic School (grades 6 through 8).
According to the press release, the schools will engage in a process to identify needs and priorities that are “aligned with the purpose of the endowment.” Funding options outlined in the press release are need-based tuition, support for science, technology, robotics, engineering, and mathematics classes, and the general needs of the individual schools as determined in the planning process.
“While the endowment is independent of the schools and diocese, school leadership will participate in an annual collaborative planning process to identify priorities and submit funding requests,” noted the news release. “This approach ensures alignment with school-level needs while maintaining strong fiduciary discipline and donor-directed governance.”