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 needs, which provides 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 and, in 2008 became a member of the FADICA.
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Mission

The mission of the Big Shoulders fund is to assist schools with demonstrated needs in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana. The funds raised by Big Shoulders are given to 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 spent $47.5 million and the archdiocese provided $44.9 million to 30 Catholic schools based mainly on Chicago's western and southern sides.
In June 2020, on Father's Day afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers delivered 10,000 meals through 10 separate locations across Northwest Indiana.

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