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]

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.
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