Big Shoulders Fund

The Big Shoulders Fund is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to offer financial support for schools with demonstrated need, which provide a quality, values-based education for Chicago's children. 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 the Big Shoulders fund is to provide assistance to schools with demonstrated need in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana.[3] The funds raised by Big Shoulders are given to its schools to support a variety of educational mediums including scholarships and enrichment, operational improvements, academic programs, and leadership development.

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.[4]

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.[5][6]

Statistics

Big Shoulders Fund supports the following areas

Schools

  • 92 schools in the Chicago region and Northwest Indiana combined
  • The schools serve 25,000 students in those areas
  • 73% of students identify as Black or Latino
  • 65% students reside in low-income households
  • 500 teachers in the Big Shoulders Fund talent development pipline
  • 10-year, $70 million commitment to 32 of highest-need Big Shoulders Fund Plus Schools[7]

Graduation Rates

  • Alumni graduate from college at nearly 2x the national rate, with Black and Latino alumni graduating from college at nearly 3x and 4x the national average.[8]
  • 84% of scholars choose to attend a Catholic of selective/quality public school.
  • 95% high school graduation rate
  • 81% graduating scholars enroll in college

Scholarships

  • On Average 5,000 students receive Big Shoulders Fund Scholarships each year
  • 65 schools adopted by patrons[9] with personal and financial commitment to build a strategic plan for the future of the schools

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. "Big Shoulders Fund". Big Shoulders Fund. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  4. "Big Shoulders Deal Directs $92M to 30 Catholic Schools in Chicago". wttw. 30 January 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-11-30. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  5. "Big Shoulders Fund donates 10,000 meals for Father's Day". Chicago Tribune. 22 June 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-06-23. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  6. "Big Shoulders Fund Gives Thousands Of Meals To Families Affected By COVID-19 For Father's Day". CBS Chicago. 20 June 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-06-21. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  7. "$90 Million Earmarked For 30 Catholic Schools In Low-Income Chicago Areas". WBEZ Chicago. 2020-01-29. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  8. "Impact". Big Shoulders Fund. 2013-03-22. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
  9. "Patrons". Big Shoulders Fund. 2013-03-23. Retrieved 2023-05-01.
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