A Year in Review: The Herzog Foundation’s First Year Accomplishments

Smithville, MO (December 15, 2021) – The Herzog Foundation released a report today to mark the first year since its inception in December 2020. Prominent Missouri businessman Stanley “Stan” Herzog gave a simple directive before he passed away in 2019: advance Christian education. That’s exactly what the Herzog Foundation has done over the last year thanks to Stan’s generosity. 

• December 15, 2020: The Herzog Foundation launched with a several-hundred-million-dollar endowment from Stanley Herzog to advance Christian education. 
• April 8, 2021: A $25,000 matching donation was made to the St. Paul Lutheran School’s scholarship fund to further Christ-centered education of students in St. Joseph, Mo.
• May 24, 2021: Herzog Foundation President Rev. Darrell Jones released the first episode of his daily devotional podcast, The Morning Routine. Darrell has continued to release new episodes every morning since the initial launch. 
• August 4, 2021: $2.7 million in grants were awarded to Christian schools in Missouri, Kansas and Tennessee. 
• August 5, 2021: The Lion was launched to provide education news and perspectives on cultural issues from a Christian outlook. The publication has reached more than 2.3 million readers since its initial launch. 
• August 11, 2021: FindMyKCSchool.com was created, connecting 140 Kansas City metro area families with Christian schools. 
• August 27, 2021: Our nationwide survey found that Christian schools vastly outperformed public schools during COVID-19. 
• September 13, 2021: Our brief of amici curiae was filed on behalf of the petitioners in a case before the Supreme Court of the United States, Carson v. Makin.
• October 14, 2021: Development began on the SchoolBox program, an educational resource to aid new and emerging Christian schools. 
• November 14 – 17, 2021: The first Donor Development Bootcamp for Christian schools was held in Dallas, Texas. 40 Christian school leaders attended from 20 different schools nationwide. 
• November 30 – December 3, 2021: The second Donor Development Bootcamp for Christian schools was held in Kansas City, Mo. 50 Christian school leaders attended from 30 different schools nationwide.

“Stan is sorely missed, and he dedicated his life to making sure children receive an excellent education, particularly an excellent Christian education,” said U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. “At Christian schools, students are encouraged in their faith, encouraged in their freedom, and encouraged to stand up for the principles that define us. As a student, I was blessed to receive a Christian education, and Stan fought to provide American students with the same opportunity to receive a Christian education.”

“The Herzog Foundation moves fast and has fun as they understand the joy that comes when you do good work that helps others. But I’ve been most thankful for their diligence as they utilize the resources that Stan carefully planned to make available long after he left this earth,” said Development & Leadership Coaching LLC Founder Zach Clark. “It’s incredible to see how God is bringing together many men and women to do something extraordinary as the Foundation works to ensure that more children will experience the life-changing results of quality Christian education.”

“In God’s providence, the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation was established during a pivotal time of growth and opportunity for the Christian School movement,” said Westminster Christian Academy Head of School Emeritus Jim Marsh. “The negative impact of the pandemic on the educational progress of America’s children as well as concerns about significant cultural and societal issues have led an increasing number of parents to consider Christian schooling for their families. The Herzog Foundation is already providing critical financial and professional growth support that will help K-12 Christian school leaders to be effectively prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of this time.”

The Herzog Foundation looks forward to continuing its work to advance Christian education in 2022 and beyond. Construction on the Foundation’s 18,000-square foot headquarters in Smithville, Mo. is estimated to be complete next spring. Upon completion, this building will be the host site for future Christian school training events. The Herzog Foundation’s next training event is scheduled in Pine Mountain, Ga. on January 24 – 26, 2022.