Big Shoulders Fund

The Big Shoulders Fund is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to offer financial support to low-income Catholic schools throughout the city. Founded in 1986 by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin and a group of Chicago businessmen, the organization has a Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator[1] and in 2008 became a member of the FADICA.[2]

Mission

The mission of Big Shoulders is to provide assistance to Catholic elementary and high schools in Chicago's low-income communities.[3] The funds raised by Big Shoulders are given to its schools to support a variety of educational mediums including scholarships, special education programming, instructional equipment, facility improvements, faculty development, and operating grants.[4]

Charity

In January 2020, The Big Shoulders Fund has spent $47.5 million as well as the archdiocese providing $44.9 million to 30 Catholic schools based mainly on Chicago's western and southern sides.[5]

In June 2020, On the occasion of Father's Day afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers delivered 10,000 meals through 10 separate locations across Northwest Indiana.[6][7]

Statistics

Schools

The Big Shoulders Fund serves schools that meet the following criteria:

  • the school is located in the City of Chicago
  • the school qualifies for and participates in Title I funding
  • 20 percent or more of students attending the school receive free or reduced lunch

Students

  • The Big Shoulders Fund works with 76 elementary schools and 17 high schools
  • These schools serve nearly 25,000 students
    • 80 percent of students at Big Shoulders Fund schools are racial minorities
    • 54 percent of students live at or below the federal poverty level
    • 32 percent of students come from families that are not Catholic

References
  1. "Charity Navigator Rating - Big Shoulders Fund". Charitynavigator.org. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  2. "Catholic Big Shoulders Fund Joins". FADICA. 2008-04-23. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  3. "Overview: Big Shoulders Fund Scholarship Program - Big Shoulders Fund". The Samaritan Guide. Archived from the original on 2011-07-15. Retrieved 2010-02-15.
  4. "BIG SHOULDERS FUND | The Burnham Plan Centennial". Burnhamplan100.uchicago.edu. Archived from the original on 2010-06-13. Retrieved 2010-02-18.
  5. "Big Shoulders Deal Directs $92M to 30 Catholic Schools in Chicago". wttw. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  6. "Big Shoulders Fund donates 10,000 meals for Father's Day". Chicago Tribune. 22 June 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  7. "Big Shoulders Fund Gives Thousands Of Meals To Families Affected By COVID-19 For Father's Day". CBS Chicago. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.