FWLEI has played an important role as a reliable source for NPH operating funds for many years. Did you know that as a perpetual pool of assets, FWLEI distributes approximately 5% of the pool’s value each year to help NPH USA support the homes and programs of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos? 

Why is this important? As a stable source of operating funds for NPH, the Endowment provides stability and security in funding. This is vital for program continuity, ensuring the funding will be there to continue the great work of NPH.  In 2022, FWLEI distributed over $900,000 from the Endowment to support NPH home and programs. In this way, FWLEI is able to bring greater long-term security to the mission of helping, protecting, and empowering vulnerable children.  

In 2022, FWLEI continued to generate solid investment performance on an absolute and relative basis.  While recent performance reflects the very difficult stock and bond market environments of last year, through Fiducient Advisors, the fund produced a total return after expenses of (-15.8%) which was 0.9% better than its benchmark. In a broader context, over the last 10 years, the fund has grown at an annualized rate of 7.9%. On an ongoing basis, FWLEI seeks to produce returns which track, and modestly exceed, market outcomes with a careful eye toward keeping costs low. Every dollar earned or saved is another dollar available to help the children whom we all care so deeply about. 

And the ability for FWLEI to help in future years is growing! FWLEI has been blessed to receive a continued flow of annual gifts along with some very meaningful new legacy gifts. This success has come about, in part, due to a new organizational focus on communicating FWLEI’s role and the critical importance of legacy and estate gifts. Considering a gift in your estate plan can ensure support for the work NPH does now and for generations to come. What a wonderful way to express the love you have for all the children yet to be helped! If you have not done so already, please consider FWLEI in your estate plan. 

As FWLEI has grown, so has the need for investment, governance and development skills and knowledge. To account for this, FWLEI will soon have 15 qualified Board members. We are blessed to have so many passionate souls supporting the mission today and setting the basis for long-term success. 

In closing, I want to thank all those who have aided FWLEI in helping fulfill the NPH mission. We appreciate all who have made gifts in the past, those contributing today, and those that seek to help long into the future through legacy giving. Also, I give heartfelt thanks to all those who continue to volunteer their time and skills to help FWLEI succeed.  It is a true honor to work alongside such a talented, passionate and caring group. 

We appreciate all who have made gifts in the past, those contributing today, and those who seek to help long into the future through legacy giving.

On behalf of the Fr. Wasson Legacy Endowment Board, and especially the children we serve across our homes and programs, I am truly grateful to all who make possible this life-changing work.