The Big Shoulders Fund

Big Shoulders Fund was founded in 1986 as an organization to help support Chicago’s inner-city Catholic schools. Many of our students face disruptive family situations, gangs, crime, drugs, poverty, and racism. Of the nearly 20,000 children enrolled in the 75 schools - 61 elementary and 14 high schools - Big Shoulders support, 80% are minorities, and 66% are living at or below the poverty level and 32% are not Catholic. Today, Big Shoulders has expanded upon that initial strategic vision by taking a proactive rather than supporting role in four major areas - scholarships and enrichment, operational improvements, academic programs, and leadership development - with the goal of not just strengthening schools, but whole communities, and preparing students for life-long success.

By supporting these schools, Big Shoulders strives to provide Chicago with a new generation of competent, well-educated and ethically responsible citizens who will become the future leaders of our city; give children a daily environment that will help teach them to be caring and trusting adults, and foster stability within communities through concerned local schools. This investment is paying off with 96% of students graduating high school, 86% of scholars matriculating on to college, 92% making it to their sophomore year of college, and alums having jobs by 25, voting and giving back with their time, talent and treasure at twice the national average.