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March 31, 2026Claire Buethe Promoted to Senior Director of Advancement
The Aim Higher Foundation is pleased to announce the promotion of Claire Buethe to Senior Director of Advancement.
Since joining Aim Higher as Director of Advancement, Donor Engagement, Claire has been a driving force behind the Foundation’s growing impact, building meaningful relationships with the donors who make our mission possible and strengthening advancement efforts across the organization. Her leadership has been instrumental in the continued growth and success of Night of Light, the expansion of the Patrons Circle, and the advancement of our major gifts program. Her work continues to ensure more students and families can access a life-changing Catholic education across the Twin Cities.

“Claire brings both heart and strategic insight to everything she does,” said President Ricky Austin. “Her ability to connect people to our mission and inspire generosity has been instrumental to our continued growth. We are thrilled to see her step into this expanded leadership role.”
In her new role, Claire will lead Aim Higher’s advancement strategy and revenue generation efforts, oversee and strengthen the major donor pipeline, and mentor members of the advancement team while partnering closely with the President to shape the future of our fundraising initiatives. Her deep commitment to our mission and her ability to inspire generosity positions the Foundation for continued momentum and growth.
“I am deeply grateful to be part of this mission and this team,” said Buethe. “Every day, I am inspired by the generosity of our supporters and the impact we are able to make for students and families. I look forward to continuing this work in a new capacity.”
About the Aim Higher Foundation
The Aim Higher Foundation provides $1,000 renewable student-based, tuition-assistance scholarships so that more children in the twelve-county Twin Cities metro area can experience the life-changing benefits of a Catholic education. Since 2012, the foundation has awarded 19,000 scholarships worth nearly $18M to children to attend Catholic schools serving K-8 students in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.




