St. Elizabeth School Receives Landmark $100K Gift

The donation from the Benedictine Sisters is the highest the Wilmington Catholic school has received in three decades.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:48am

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St. Elizabeth School in Wilmington, Delaware has received a $100,000 donation from the Benedictine Sisters, the same order that founded the school in 1908. This is the highest gift the school has received in the past 30 years and will allow the school to invest in students, faculty, and programs as it works to strengthen enrollment and build long-term stability.

Why it matters

St. Elizabeth School has faced some financial challenges in recent years, including staffing reductions and a return to a 'one school model' for elementary and high school. This generous gift from the Benedictine Sisters comes at a pivotal time and reflects trust in the school's mission, allowing it to move forward with a renewed focus on strengthening its programs and community.

The details

The $100,000 donation will give the school's leadership flexibility to invest the money where it will have the greatest impact for students, families, faculty and administration. School officials say conversations have begun with alumni and supporters on how to best utilize the gift to 'amplify the impact' of the school.

  • St. Elizabeth School was founded by the Benedictine Sisters in 1908.
  • In 2024, the school's principal Joseph Papili was pushed out of his position after a decade of service.
  • Ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, the school announced plans for staffing reductions and a return to a 'one school model' for elementary and high school due to 'several years of financial strain and ongoing budget challenges'.
  • The $100,000 gift was announced on March 10, 2026.

The players

St. Elizabeth School

A private Catholic school in Wilmington, Delaware that was founded by the Benedictine Sisters in 1908.

Benedictine Sisters

The religious order that founded St. Elizabeth School and has continued to support the school over the decades.

Joseph Papili

The former principal of St. Elizabeth School who was pushed out of his position in 2024 after a decade of service.

Rev. Roger DiBuo

The current parish leader of St. Elizabeth School who had to inform the school community about upcoming changes due to financial challenges in 2025.

Paul Rizzo

The director of communications for St. Elizabeth School.

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What they’re saying

“This generous commitment reflects trust in our mission. It allows us to move forward with immediate focus and continue to strengthen the programs that make this community special.”

— Rev. Roger DiBuo, Parish Leader

“The gift comes at a pivotal time as St. Elizabeth continues efforts to strengthen enrollment, invest in faculty and curriculum, and build long-term stability for the school's future.”

— Paul Rizzo, Director of Communications

What’s next

School officials say conversations have begun with alumni and supporters on how to best utilize the $100,000 gift to 'amplify the impact' of St. Elizabeth School.

The takeaway

This landmark donation from the Benedictine Sisters comes at a crucial time for St. Elizabeth School as it works to overcome recent financial challenges and invest in strengthening its programs, faculty, and long-term stability. The gift reflects the continued commitment of the founding order and optimism for the school's future as a 'beacon' in the Wilmington community.