Big Shoulders Fund - What We Do

Big Shoulders provides support in a variety of areas working to leverage the greatest positive impact on the nearly 25,000 inner-city students served in Chicago. Here is a general breakdown of how the $10 to $12 million is expended each year to improve access and programs in the 93 inner-city Catholic schools:

	Scholarships: 35-40% Provides over 5,000 scholarships to deserving, but financially needy families ranging from multiyear renewable commitments to one-time emergency funds Support students pre-kindergarten through 12th grade
	Patrons Program: 25-30% Building long-term strategic plans for vitality of schools and apply necessary funding to ensure success Marketing School-Specific Programs Technology
	Operating Grants: 20-30% Operating in environment where nearly 60% of families are living in poverty, schools are not able to charge the full cost of education to each student Big Shoulders helps defray some of the operating costs, but also hold school's accountable to improving their efficiency and demonstrating academic results
	Capital Grants: 5-10% Facility Upgrades Remediation focused on the health, safety and educational quality of students.
	Programs: 5-10% Provide Professional Development to more than 700 teachers each year in ongoing strategic way. Ensure access to early childhood programs as well as before and after-school care for students. Vision & Hearing Screening