Big Shoulders Fund

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "Big Shoulders Fund donates 10,000 meals for Father's Day". Chicago Tribune. 22 June 2020. Retrieved 15 September 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  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.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

External links[]

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