For 25 years, the Fulcrum Foundation has worked alongside Catholic schools, educators, families and donors to help ensure that Catholic education remains accessible, excellent and sustainable throughout Western Washington.
This year, Fulcrum proudly celebrates a milestone anniversary and the extraordinary community that has made its mission possible.
Founded in 2002 under the leadership of Archbishop Alexander J. Brunett and Father Stephen Rowan, Fulcrum was built on a bold vision: that Catholic schools are stronger when we work together. What began as a commitment to increasing access to Catholic education has grown into a comprehensive partnership supporting students, educators and schools across the Archdiocese of Seattle.
Over the past 25 years, Fulcrum has distributed more than $100 million in support of Catholic education. That investment has provided tuition assistance to thousands of families, strengthened school facilities, supported educators and school leaders, expanded academic programs, and helped schools respond to the evolving needs of their students and communities.
While the numbers are significant, Fulcrum’s true impact is found in the lives behind them: a child who can attend a Catholic school because of tuition assistance; a teacher who receives the resources needed to help every student thrive; a school that completes a critical safety improvement; and a community strengthened by a shared commitment to faith, learning and service.
“Fulcrum’s 25th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate all that has been accomplished and to look ahead with hope,” said Vivian Shannon, Executive Director of the Fulcrum Foundation. “This milestone belongs to our founders, past and present board members, donors, educators, families, pastors, school leaders and community partners who have believed in the promise of Catholic education and invested in its future.”
As Fulcrum enters its next 25 years, its purpose remains clear: to strengthen Catholic schools so they can continue forming young people in faith, knowledge, compassion and service.
Twenty-five years is a remarkable milestone. But it is also a beginning.
Together, we celebrate the past, recommit ourselves to the present, and look forward with confidence to the future of Catholic education in Western Washington.