As the 2021-2022 school year begins, our communities in southeast Michigan continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have faced health challenges or lost loved ones to the virus, and many more have experienced economic impacts. For families who value quality, Christ-centered education and have also faced financial struggles over the past 18 months, it has been difficult to continue prioritizing tuition payments.

The Catholic Foundation is grateful for generous supporters who understand how important it is to provide the opportunity for all students to receive an excellent education grounded in Catholic belief and practice.

In 2020, aware of the financial difficulties some families were facing, a small group of donors and the Archdiocese of Detroit helped opened two scholarship funds. These funds have grown and are providing increased opportunities for students this fall.

Through the growth of these two funds, the Foundation awarded 96 students from 27 schools across the Archdiocese of Detroit, totaling roughly $250,000, a 62% increase from last year’s inaugural scholarship awards.

One parent of a scholarship recipient shared, “The grants I received for my son and daughter will help alleviate the stress of coming up with the full tuition amount every month. Sending my children to St. Anne has been one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made; St. Anne is truly our second family. Your generosity is a huge blessing, and I am forever grateful for this gift.”

The coordinated work of the Foundation, the scholarship committee, and supporters in the community has led to changed lives for students and an increased sense of working together to see students thrive in the Catholic school environment. Christina Shabo, the scholarship administrator for the Catholic Foundation, observed that “one of the unexpected gifts of the Foundation’s scholarship process is connecting with many dedicated principals and administrators from our local Catholic schools. The care and attention they put in everything they do is so inspiring and it is an honor to support them, their schools, and partner in this unique way.”

The scholarships are a fruit of the community partnering to share the Gospel in action. Chairman of the Catholic Foundation’s Grant and Impact Committee Anthony Schena reflected, “The Grant and Impact committee was amazed at the faith of parents who applied for the scholarships on behalf of their children. In the face of tremendous challenges, their faith in God strengthens them to prevail. These parents want their children to be surrounded by that faith every day and are willing to make any level of personal sacrifice to keep their children in Catholic schools.”

Quality, faith-based education is invaluable, shares one grateful parent. “We have eight children, and all are attending Catholic schools. We value our kids’ Catholic education and choose it over trips to Disney or new vehicles, in order to allow them to thrive in the wonderful experiences a Catholic education can provide. Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity.”

Anyone can contribute to these scholarships and multiply the impact these funds will have. The gift of a Catholic education pays dividends for generations to come. In a season where we have had to rely on the power of community, you too can support these faithful families and our Catholic schools.

The Catholic Foundation is proud to celebrate those who have been a part of this unique opportunity–both the students whose lives are transformed through access to Catholic education, and the donors who were empowered to give generously to sustain Catholic education in southeast Michigan.

Individuals can make a gift to these existing scholarship funds in any amount and make a difference. Give online below or contact the Foundation staff at 248-548-3020.

Supporters can also create a scholarship fund that is both unique and personal, based on specific goals. Examples could be tuition assistance for students at a particular school, students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or the arts. Scholarship funds can be opened with a gift of $25,000 or more.

Give now to the St. Anne Scholars Scholarship Fund

Give Now to the St. Martin de Porres Scholarship Fund

Create your own unique scholarship endowment with the Catholic Foundation. 

Benefitting Schools: