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FAQs


I am new to Big Shoulders. How can I get more involved?

The Big Shoulders Fund offers over a variety of ways to learn more about the students and schools we serve, as well as getting more involved. First, join us for Lend a Shoulder Day held annually each fall provides the opportunity for civic and business leaders to visit one of our schools in the morning and then join with about 150 others for lunch downtown afterwards. There are also a number of other ways to get involved:

For more than twenty three years, the Big Shoulders Fund has undertaken the responsibility of helping Chicago's inner-city children to achieve their dreams through access to a quality, values-based education.  However, we need your help to make this possible.  There are many ways to make a difference and we hope you will get involved:

  • Mentor. Work directly with students. Mentors are placed whenever possible in the school of their own choosing or, if the mentor is able, where the need is the greatest. If you are interested in learning more about the mentoring opportunities, please contact Tom Zbierski, Director of School Relations at 312-751-8365 / tzbierski@bigshouldersfund.org
  • Build. Join or create a Patron Advisory Board.  The Patrons Program is seeking bright, committed women and men to serve on Patron Advisory Boards.  Our schools are in need of professionals who are interested in contributing a small amount of their time and talent in the areas of marketing, accounting, fundraising, capital improvements, construction and technology. Individuals can be apart of these boards who are working to build a sustainable, vital future for Catholic schools in Chicago. If you are interested in learning more about joining a Patron Advisory Board, please contact John Moran, Director of the Patrons Program at 312-751-3897 / jmoran@bigshouldersfund.org.
  • Fundraise. Help plan the annual Big Shoulders Fund Golf Classic which raises essential scholarship funds to enable inner-city children to attend inner-city Catholic schools. We are always seeking new members for the Golf Classic committee. Dedicated volunteers from the civic and business community plan the event and solicit sponsors, auction items, donations and foursomes. For more information, to golf or to join in the committee, please contact Amy Drozda, Associate Director for Events and Publications at 312-751-3850 / adrozda@bigshouldersfund.org.
  • Join. Become a part of the Auxiliary Board which is designed to engage active and altruistic young professionals (20s through 40s). Members can be part of three committees: Fundraising, Outreach, and Schools.  Through these committees members are able to help plan events, volunteer with Big Shoulders schools and children, and work to increase the visibility of the Big Shoulders Fund and the Auxiliary Board, and recruit new members.  For more information or to join please contact Amy Drozda, Associate Director for Events and Publications at 312-751-3850 / adrozda@bigshouldersfund.org.


I am a parent or guardian. How do I apply for a scholarship for my child?

The Big Shoulders Fund offers over 30 different types of scholarships for both Catholic elementary and high schools in the inner-city of Chicago.  These scholarships vary in duration and amount awarded depending on the type of scholarship. 

Contact the principal of your local Big Shoulders Fund school for more information on the application process.  The Big Shoulders Fund works directly with school personnel and will not accept applications directly from parents/guardians.  Please understand that submitting an application through the school does not guarantee that a scholarship will be awarded.  Typically, requests exceed the resources available, but all applications are given consideration.  Please contact your Big Shoulders Fund school principal or admissions personnel to discuss your eligibility and the application process.


I am a principal, marketing and development director, board member, mentor, auxiliary board member, board development committee member, or patron. How do I get a login for the secure site?

In order to obtain a login for the Big Shoulders Fund's secure extranet, you must contact the website administrator at info@bigshouldersfund.org. We will respond to your request as soon as possible.