Grant from the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund supports launch of CSFNH’s new statewide alumni network
The Children’s Scholarship Fund New Hampshire (CSFNH) announced today that it has received a grant from the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund to support the launch of the Freedom Alumni Network (FAN) – a statewide initiative connecting alumni of the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program and Education Tax Credit (ETC) scholarships.
The Freedom Alumni Network will serve as a long-term community for former CSFNH students, offering mentorship opportunities, networking, storytelling initiatives, leadership development, and ongoing engagement with current scholarship recipients. The program will be led by CSFNH staff members Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Orlowski (Chair) and Ryan Bilodeau (CSFNH Public Engagement Manager).
“We are deeply grateful to the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund for its support,” said Kate Baker Demers, Executive Director of CSFNH. “This grant helps us build a strong foundation for the Freedom Alumni Network, giving our graduates a way to stay connected, share their stories, and support the next generation of EFA and ETC students.”
Chair Lizzie Orlowski added, “I am deeply grateful to Bishop Libasci and the Diocese of Manchester for their generosity in awarding this grant. I had big dreams for the Freedom Alumni Network, but now I also have genuine hope in the truest sense of the word: confidence that great things lie ahead for our alumni and our community.”
The grant from the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund will support FAN’s early infrastructure: alumni outreach, communications, event planning, and the program’s official kickoff celebration.
About the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund
The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund makes grants to tax-exempt organizations without regard to religious affiliation for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs. The Fund is operated by the Bishop of Manchester and a volunteer board of lay men and women Directors who make recommendations to the bishop for grants to organizations in New Hampshire whose mission is consistent to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The Fund raises money through solicitation of individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
FAN Kickoff Event – December 19, 2025
CSFNH will introduce the Freedom Alumni Network at its kickoff event to CSFNH Alumni on Friday, December 19 at 7:00 PM at the CSFNH Headquarters, located at 180 Loudon Road in Concord. Doors open at 6:45 PM and parking is available on site. Alumni may register online at https://nh.scholarshipfund.org/about/freedom-alumni-network/ or RSVP by email at eorlowski@scholarshipfund.org
The event is designed for college students and recent graduates who previously received EFA or ETC scholarships. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Meet fellow CSFNH alumni and staff
- Enjoy refreshments and informal conversation
- Help shape the direction of the statewide alumni community
- Learn about upcoming FAN resources, including mentorship, job boards, and career networking
About the Freedom Alumni Network (FAN)
The Freedom Alumni Network (FAN) connects and celebrates graduates of New Hampshire’s EFA and ETC programs by:
- Creating a statewide community of CSF alumni
- Providing mentorship and networking opportunities
- Showcasing long-term student outcomes and success stories
- Engaging alumni in service, leadership, and storytelling
- Supporting the next generation of scholarship recipients
FAN ensures that CSFNH alumni remain part of a lifelong community that continues to grow, support, and strengthen educational opportunity in New Hampshire.
About CSFNH
In New Hampshire, CSF administers both Education Tax Credit scholarships and Education Freedom Accounts, supporting families with flexible, student-centered learning options.
CSF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity scholarship organization with an annual independent audit. Its 990s, financial statements, and annual reports are public, and it has earned a 4-star rating (the highest possible) from Charity Navigator, including the charity watchdog’s highest possible scores for accountability and transparency.
If you’re a CSFNH alum, we’d love to welcome you into this new community. Connect, share your story, and help shape the future of educational freedom in New Hampshire.
