The BSF Auxiliary Board is a well-rounded organization. There are many opportunities to give back through organized volunteer days, mentorship programs and fun events like attending the lacrosse home opener at Soldier Field where many BSF scholarship recipients will attend. BSF also holds really fun networking happy hours at great bars downtown. And, if you're too busy to attend a lot of events you can feel great that every dollar that is given through the BSF Auxiliary Board goes directly to the scholarship fund. The organization continues to grow since being founded in 2007. Come check out an event!
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- EIN 36-3490557
- 312-751-8337
- 309 W. Washington Suite 550 Chicago IL 60606 USA
- http://www.bigshouldersfund.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Mission: The mission of the Big Shoulders Fund is to provide support to the Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. 100% of the funds raised by the Big Shoulders Fund are used to support children through scholarships, special education programs, instructional equipment, much needed school facility improvements, faculty support, and operating grants. The Big Shoulders Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Results: The elementary school student attendance rate is 97%. The high school student attendance rate is 95%. The average class size in Big Shoulders Fund supported schools is less than 20 students. 96% of Big Shoulders secondary school students graduate from High School. 87% of Big Shoulders students go on to higher education. 97% of Big Shoulders Fund supported elementary schools offer extended day programs. 98% of Big Shoulders elementary schools have kindergarten and 91% have preschools. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has accredited 52 preschools in schools supported by Big Shoulders. Fourteen more programs are currently pursuing NAEYC Accreditation. The Archdiocese of Chicago has more NAEYC accredited programs than any other private school system in the country.
Target demographics: Big Shoulders Fund supported schools enroll 25,000 students in 76 elementary schools and 17 high schools in the city of Chicago. The schools supported by the Big Shoulders Fund are the poorest and oldest Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The criteria that are used to designate a Big Shoulders Fund supported school include: The school is located in the City of Chicago; Title I eligibility and participation; and School has 20 percent or more of its students receiving free and reduced luncheons through the school's lunch program. Over half of the students attending Big Shoulders supported schools come from families who live at or below the poverty level. By educating these students, we are helping to break the cycle of poverty in our inner-city neighborhoods.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 93 schools and 5,000 students on scholarship
Geographic areas served: Chicago