Our mission is simple.

We provide support to Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago.

Big Shoulders Fund is unique in that our administrative expenses are supported by an endowment and other income which ensures that 100 percent of funds currently raised go toward programs that benefit Big Shoulders Fund schools and the students they serve. Our programs benefit the hardest working students in Chicago, providing scholarships, special education and academic programs, instructional equipment, much-needed school facility improvements, faculty support, operating grants, and much, much more.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Program Highlights

Aim High.

Moving Ahead

Big Shoulders Fund eighth graders attend college prep high schools at high rates.

Last year 74% continued on to a Catholic, selective enrollment, International Baccalaureate or magnet high school.

Moving Up

According to a recent survey, the college graduation rate for Big Shoulders Fund alumni is nearly double the national rate. In addition, since 2009, 85 percent of graduating Big Shoulders Fund scholars have enrolled in college the year following high school graduation according to data from National Student Clearinghouse.

It takes Big Shoulders to carry a child’s dreams.