Nonprofit Pours Millions Into Catholic Education
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary, Indiana, has been granted a transformative pledge from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, aimed at bolstering Catholic education in the area. This monumental donation exceeds $100 million and is primarily designated to support the Big Shoulders Fund, which facilitates scholarships for underprivileged students in the Chicago region to attend Catholic schools. Over the next decade, the foundation plans to allocate a total of $150 million, marking it as the largest single investment in PreK-12 Catholic education to date.
Bill Hanna, Executive Director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, underscored the significance of providing access to quality, values-driven education. He highlighted the robust partnership between the Big Shoulders Fund and the Diocese of Gary, expressing confidence in their capacity to effectively utilize the funds to enhance educational outcomes and community welfare.
Josh Hale, CEO of the Big Shoulders Fund, welcomed the donation as a substantial impetus for their educational advancement initiatives. He outlined intentions to use the funds to fortify curriculum, offer professional development opportunities for educators, and expand student support services. These efforts aim to cultivate a high-caliber educational milieu rooted in measurable achievements.
Bishop Robert McClory of the Diocese of Gary hailed the donation as a game-changing commitment that validates the significance of Catholic education. He conveyed appreciation for the foundation’s generosity, emphasizing the profound positive impact the investment will have on students, families, teachers, and the broader community across northwest Indiana.
Governor Eric Holcomb of Indiana commended the donation, acknowledging its potential to elevate communities through enhanced educational opportunities. He lauded the foundation’s confidence in Indiana’s educational framework and affirmed the far-reaching influence this substantial investment will exert on the region’s educational landscape.
In conjunction with the contribution to the Big Shoulders Fund, the Diocese of Gary disclosed plans to establish an independent endowment within the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana. This initiative aims to grow to $50 million over the next 15 years, specifically supporting the compensation of school leaders and staff within the Diocese’s Catholic schools. Together, these initiatives underscore a formidable commitment to fortifying Catholic education in northwest Indiana, aligning philanthropic endeavors with the mission to provide accessible, high-quality education underpinned by faith and community values.