A smiling scholarship student writing at her desk in a Catholic school classroom

Education Changes Lives

Every child deserves access to an exceptional education.

In Fairfield County, a family's income still determines too much about a child's opportunity. Your gift puts an exceptional education, and the future it creates, within reach.

Every family's need independently verified
Funds paid directly to the school, never to the family
Independent 501(c)(3) board oversight
Become a Champion of Education
Why We Exist

A family's income should never decide a child's future. Education transforms lives. And every child deserves access to an exceptional education. Since 2015, we've been Connecticut's largest scholarship-granting organization — turning generosity into open doors for children across Fairfield County.

Every family's need independently verified
Funds paid directly to the school
Independent 501(c)(3)
Check our work → See where your investment goes and what it makes possible
A scholarship student with their teacher in a Catholic school classroom
One Family's Numbers

One child. One scholarship. One future made brighter.

This is the real situation of a student and his mom applying for financial aid this year. His mother works full time, raises him on her own, and is returning to school to build a stronger future for both of them. She knows what education can give her son, but without help it's out of reach.

"I want him to be surrounded by great teachers and families that have the same values and beliefs. I am hoping you will be able to help."

Earning $37,000, after rent, food, utilities, and transportation, she has $2,524 left for the year. Tuition is $8,200.

What she can pay
$467
What tuition costs
$8,200

Every student deserves a chance. You can make the opportunity possible.

Give Opportunity

A real Bishop's Scholarship Fund applicant, figures from her verified financial summary. Name and identifying details have been withheld for privacy.

This year, donors like you made this happen.

2,283
Applications submitted
1,149
Students awarded scholarships
$2.85M
Awarded in Bishop's Scholarship Fund tuition assistance
24
Schools impacted
Since 2015
$29 million+
awarded
27,000+
scholarships
13,000+
Lives changed.

The model works. But the need is still bigger than the funding — see our audited financials and impact reports.

$7.4 Million

Today, donors meet 24% of verified need. By 2035, we can move that beyond 80%.

Every qualified family received some scholarship support. Unfortunately there is a gap. Last year, scholarships covered 24¢ of every dollar needed. The families are verified. The schools are ready. The students are prepared to use the opportunity. Reaching the 2035 goal requires an additional $7.4 million in annual scholarship investment. Closing the gap means more scholarships, for more students, more lives changed, and doors opened.

Move the Goal Forward
A scholarship student in class
A Champion of Education with a scholarship student
Champions of Education

Become a Champion of a child's future.

A scholarship can change the course of a child's life. It removes the financial barrier between a student and the education that can unlock their potential, expand what they believe is possible, and help break the cycle of poverty. Whether you give once or each month, you are not simply funding a seat in a classroom. You are opening a future. You join others who believe family income should never determine a child's future. You become the person who steps forward when a student is ready and finances stand in the way of opportunity. You become a Champion of Education. And you changed what was possible for a child.

Become a Champion

Our partner Catholic schools deliver exceptional education.

100% of diocesan schools accredited
100%
of diocesan high school students graduate
98%
continue to college or military service
2 grades
ahead of public school peers, on average

Nationally, students attending Catholic schools posted higher average 2024 NAEP scores than students attending public schools in Grade 4 and Grade 8 reading and mathematics. See the full data →

Donors Like You

Changing Lives for Generations

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano with Mary Alice and Thomas O'Malley

Mary Alice and Thomas O'Malley wanted to honor their parents, and support the children of first responders and nurses to have access to the education their parents work hard to provide for them. In 2018, they created an endowed scholarship. Eight years later, it has already produced 31 awards for 21 students. Long after the original decision, their values continue to open classroom doors.

Explore an Endowed Scholarship →
Transforming Lives Through Education

Education Changes Lives. Your Gift Opens Doors. Give the Gift of Opportunity to a Child Today.

Give the Gift of Opportunity

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