Foundation for Catholic Education
West Chester, Pa.
Grant: $250,000; Funded 2020-21

PROBLEM: A DIFFERENT KIND OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP 

The coronavirus pandemic arrived as families were coming into the final stretch of the school year and completing their re-enrollment in 71 Catholic elementary schools spread across the four Philadelphia suburbs. Many of these families found themselves in unfamiliar territory — sick with the illness itself, or suffering a loss of employment, or experiencing a loss of personal business. Most of these same families found themselves in additional unfamiliar territory — needing financial assistance, many for the first time, to meet their 2020-21 tuition obligation.

SOLUTION: GIVE PARENTS A LIFT 

Establish a special one-year emergency tuition relief fund that offers financial aid grants to qualified families with students enrolled in thriving suburban schools. Design an efficient funding model and process so these families can work through their financial hardships while maintaining the Catholic education they value for their children. Reserve these funds for families in schools that have exhibited a healthy enrollment, strong leadership, and long-term financial sustainability.

RESULTS: RELIEVED PARENTS, HAPPY STUDENTS 

Parents of students enrolled in 23 suburban Catholic elementary schools are receiving unexpected tuition assistance as the schools reopened this fall. The Foundation for Catholic Education (FCE) manages the entire process from application through funds distribution in conjunction with the school principals. A total of 155 tuition assistance grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 were awarded to qualified applicants. The infusion of one-time funding into a thriving school for families struggling with financial setbacks will only continue to make the school and families stronger.

“I lost my job in June because of COVID-19, and my family was unsure how we would be able to send our sons to Catholic school, your financial aid is making it possible for our boys to continue” … “Our girls are so happy to be back in the school they love” … “this grant was a big help for my family.”

Sample Parent & Student Comments