Ways to Give

Every contribution is important, no matter the size. Your gift strengthens our network of schools through scholarships, enrichment programs, instructional equipment, school facility improvements, faculty support, operating grants, and so much more! 

Because of an endowment formed by early board members and income from investments, 100 percent of funds currently raised today go toward programs that benefit Big Shoulders Fund schools and students. These schools serve as beacons of hope for generations of children and their families.  

For 18 consecutive years, Big Shoulders Fund has received a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, the highest possible rating from America’s largest independent evaluator of charities and something only 1% of charities receive. This indicates that Big Shoulders Fund excels in successfully managing the finances of our organization in an efficient and stable manner. This consistency in our rating is an exceptional feat.  

There are many ways to make a tax-deductible gift to support Big Shoulders Fund.

Cash Gifts

Matching Gifts

Maximize your impact on the students and schools we serve by submitting your gift to your company for a matching donation! Over 22,000 companies offer matching gift programs on behalf of their employees. Please check with your employer to see if they offer a matching program. You can also designate Big Shoulders Fund if you have a corporate giving program like United Way.  

Planned Gifts

Make a planned gift arrangement or bequest, and join the Joseph Society, named in honor of the late Joseph Cardinal Bernardin who helped start Big Shoulders Fund. This group is comprised of those who have made a special commitment, through a planned gift, to the children attending schools in some of the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. If you are interested in learning more about planned giving visit our website http://thejosephsociety.org/ or contact Amelia Drozda at 312.751.3850 / adrozda@bigshouldersfund.org.  

Gifts of Stocks or Appreciated Assets

Making a gift of stocks, bonds or mutual funds allows you to receive a charitable deduction and avoid capital gains taxes.  

To maximize your philanthropic impact, have your broker contact Amelia Drozda at 312.751.3850 / adrozda@bigshouldersfund.org for further information or to contribute your gift of securities.  

Qualified Charitable Distribution

If you are over 70.5 years old, you can make a tax-efficient transfer from your IRA to Big Shoulders Fund. A qualified charitable distribution allows you to donate up to $100,000 without treating it as taxable income. This can count toward your required minimum distribution for the year, which maximizes your impact! Contact Amelia Drozda at 312.751.3850 / adrozda@bigshouldersfund.org for more information.  

Donor-Advised Fund

A donor-advised fund acts as a charitable savings account where you can give cash, securities, or other assets and receive a tax deduction. Then you can recommend grants to Big Shoulders Fund at a time that aligns with your philanthropic goals. This is an efficient way to maximize your giving and can be a tool for legacy planning. Contact Amelia Drozda at 312.751.3850 / adrozda@bigshouldersfund.org for more information.  

Pledges

Make a multi-year pledge to Big Shoulders Fund to support one of our many programs, such as the Big Shoulders Fund Plus, the Patrons Program, scholarships, capital projects or for the greatest need. For more information on how your multi-year pledge can make a difference, please contact Joshua Hale at 312.751.5395 / jhale@bigshouldersfund.org.  

Help us to continue to be the big shoulders that carry a child’s dreams by Donating Today!