As a new school year begins, we would like to welcome the newest members of our Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Seattle and take the opportunity to introduce the Fulcrum Foundation and the work we do to uplift Catholic schools and students.
What is Fulcrum?
The Fulcrum Foundation leverages financial assistance to strengthen and support the 72 Catholic schools and over 20,000 students in the Archdiocese of Seattle. Fulcrum is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on accessibility, sustainability, and leadership.
What are our programs?
Fulcrum offers three major areas of support:
1. Tuition assistance to students and families
2. School partnership grants
3. Leadership development for teachers and principals
For more information about Fulcrum’s programs, please contact Susan Ocoma at susan.ocoma@fulcrumfoundation.org.
How do we fund our programs?
Fulcrum funds its general programs through the generous support of our donors. Fulcrum holds two major fundraisers each year: the Celebration of Light and the Annual Drive.
Fulcrum’s Annual Drive follows the fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30. Our largest appeal for the Annual Drive is mailed to all donors in September each year. Your selfless donations to this fundraising effort allow our essential programs to serve those in need, especially marginalized or underrepresented families seeking Catholic education.
In the past year, Fulcrum’s programs helped contribute to a 99% high school graduation rate for archdiocesan schools, with 98% of graduates continuing on to post-secondary education.
For more information about the Annual Drive, please contact us at info@fulcrumfoundation.org
What is Uplift: The Fulcrum Campaign for Catholic Education?
Uplift is a comprehensive, time-driven campaign that builds upon Fulcrum’s past successes, meets the present needs of our schools, and strives to build a future where Fulcrum can help all families who seek a Catholic education for their children in the Archdiocese of Seattle.
The campaign’s fundraising goal is $66 million. While all donations—including those from the Celebration of Light and the Annual Drive—count toward this goal, this historic campaign seeks legacy gifts, multi-year major gifts, and other pledges from donors to invest in Fulcrum’s future and help us continue to serve schools in new and innovative ways for years to come.
Read a message from the Uplift Campaign chairs here
What is the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund?
The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund is a special initiative that addresses the immediate needs of schools in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Donations to this fund go directly to archdiocesan schools, helping them implement remote learning, provide tuition assistance, and create safe classroom spaces for an eventual return to in-person instruction. Donations to this fund also count towards our Uplift campaign goal.
Donate to the COVID -19 Emergency Relief Fund Here
Who are Fulcrum’s partners?
Fulcrum is independent of the Archdiocese of Seattle, but works closely with Archbishop Paul D. Etienne and the Office for Catholic Schools (OCS) to make sure that the needs of archdiocesan schools, families, and students are being met. The COVID-19 pandemic has only strengthened the bonds between Fulcrum, the archdiocese, and OCS, leading to incredible collaborative efforts on behalf of our Catholic community.
We also partner with other local family foundations, the Seattle Foundation, and community organizations that help the students, families, and educators within our 72 schools. We are blessed to have these trusted and valued partnerships.
What can I do to help?
Though these times are difficult, we humbly ask that you donate what you can to support Fulcrum’s programs in whatever ways resonate most deeply with you. As noted above, we provide numerous opportunities to make gifts through our annual fundraisers, capital campaign, and emergency relief funding. Fulcrum’s mission to strengthen Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle uplifts countless families and students, develops outstanding educator-leaders, and helps our schools continue the proud tradition of excellent and faith-filled education.
This would not be possible without your generous and unwavering support. Thank you for saying yes over and over. We truly are stronger together!