The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic organization founded in the late 1800’s and has become a band of brothers, a network of men in communities around the world dedicated to doing good in the service of God and our neighbor. Members are inspired to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their community.Charity is at the heart of our work and our faith — and it always has been. For the Knights of Columbus, charity means supporting a virtually boundless variety of projects.The order is dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

 

The Knights of Columbus Council 9151 in Wimberley, TX, was formed in 1985 and in early 1991 members planned and established a permanent College Education Grant program. The program was named after the first member to pass away after Council formation.  The Marvin Joseph estate contributed the initial opening capital to the fund.  Hence the fund was named in his honor as the Marvin Joseph Memorial Scholarship Fund (MJMSF).

 

MJMSF has built a permanent capital endowment through generous donations from estates and general giving.  Funds used for scholarships result from the interest or dividends on capital invested.  Council 9151 has been generous in adding funds to the program and several tax-deductible ‘In Memoriam’ donations have been made.  When you want to do more than send flowers, MJMSF provides a useful and lasting memorial.

 

Growth in MJMSF has been steady and its current capital has increased 20-fold over the last three decades.  Over 150 students have been awarded 4-year college scholarships during this period.  Currently the fund grants scholarships of up to $1000.00 per school year to applicants from the Wimberley Area School District.  Scholarships can continue for up to four years for students who maintain their grades and reapply for assistance.

 

To facilitate growth of the fund and provide an opportunity for corporations to make tax-free gifts and grants, Council 9151 organized the fund as a charitable organization under Federal Code 501(c)(3).  Educational costs are forever increasing and grants to students must increase in value to meet their needs.  The charitable corporation is named the Marvin Joseph Scholarship Fund (MJSF).