The Big Shoulders Fund is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to offer financial support for schools with demonstrated needs, which provides a quality, values-based education for Chicago's children.
Founded in 1986 by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin and a group of Chicago businessmen, the organization has a Four Star Rating from Charity Navigator[1] and, in 2008 became a member of the FADICA.
[2] The mission of the Big Shoulders fund is to assist schools with demonstrated needs in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana.
[3] The funds raised by Big Shoulders are given to schools to support a variety of educational mediums, including scholarships and enrichment, operational improvements, academic programs, and leadership development.
[4] In June 2020, on Father's Day afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers delivered 10,000 meals through 10 separate locations across Northwest Indiana.