Our Vision

The Flaherty Family Foundation embodies a philosophy akin to a three-legged stool. Each leg represents the vital support systems for Flaherty Scholars: their family, their school, and the Foundation.

These three legs must harmoniously collaborate to bolster the Scholar, who sits atop this stool. With the combined strength of each 'leg,' the Scholar's duty is to strive for the very best version of themselves; after all, it is their education, their responsibility, and their future.

Through education and the successful pursuit of a postsecondary plan, Flaherty Scholars will attain the readiness for a secure, prosperous future, both for themselves and their families. The Flaherty Family Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to their lifelong success.

Based in Minnesota, the Flaherty Family Foundation extends its support to Scholars and families in faith-based, college preparatory high schools not only within Minnesota, but also in Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, Missouri, and Washington, D.C.

The Foundation operates as a hands-on scholarship granting organization, providing personalized mentoring and coaching, college and career readiness curriculum, along with supplementary funding for enriching activities. Scholars who graduate in good standing are invited to maintain their connection and support from the Flaherty Family Foundation through college and into their inaugural career.

Who Are Flaherty Scholars?

The Flaherty Family Foundation supports Scholars of all backgrounds across the nation. Flaherty Scholars are high achievers with strong desires to pursue their dreams, starting with higher education. They are incredibly hardworking, intelligent and resilient young people who want to make positive contributions to their communities. They are leaders who are committed to taking ownership of their academic path to success.

Vision Statement:

The Flaherty Family Foundation envisions achieving the highest college graduation rate among comparable groups in the United States, nurturing influential leaders who will leave an enduring imprint on future generations.

Mission Statement:

The Flaherty Family Foundation is dedicated to awarding high school, college preparatory scholarships to outstanding students with financial need. Additionally, the Flaherty Family Foundation offers Flaherty Scholars personalized guidance to ensure academic triumph, culminating in a college degree, and manageable student loan debt as they enter the workforce.

At its heart, the Flaherty Family Foundation is an educational foundation operated by educators. Flaherty Scholars are distinguished by their attendance at faith-based high schools, where values and ethics are intricately woven into their educational journey. The degree of care, consideration, and mentorship in personal development for Scholars is pivotal to their triumph.

Core Values:

We are hard workers.

We are high achievers.

We PERSEVERE. No obstacle is too great.

We RESPECT ourselves and others.

We work together as a TEAM to achieve our goals.

We practice HONESTY and INTEGRITY within our communities.

We ACCEPT and INCLUDE regardless of race and religion.

We GIVE BACK and ‘PAY IT FORWARD’ so that others may have the opportunities that we have had.

“Ubuntu” meaning “I am because we are” - a South African motto

We, the Flaherty Family Foundation, uphold the core values of inclusivity, diversity, giving back to communities, honesty and integrity. As an education foundation run by educators we strive to demonstrate equity by:

Listening, Learning, Implementing, and Refining.

Embracing and honoring diversity in all of its forms.

Creating a community where all feel they belong. 

Empowering our Flaherty Family Foundation Team, our Flaherty Scholars, and our Board members to be strong advocates for the betterment of our communities and their individual lives.

Celebrating successes and supporting through challenges.

Encouraging honest communication and feedback.

“We all do better when we all do better.” - Senator Paul Wellstone