Emergency Funds Scholarship Impact
March 1st, 2022
At the Catholic Schools Foundation, one of our many programs includes Emergency Funds Scholarship Program. Whether caused by the pandemic or any other unpredictable hardship, these emergency funds are there to help families suffering financial difficulties move towards a brighter future.
Over the past three rounds of Emergency Funds Scholarship awarding, we had received over 146 applications by students in the Greater Boston area. The recipients of these rounds increased our total recipients receiving funds to 180. This amounted to a total of $336,680 given out to in-need students facing difficult financial situations.
In a recent application, a school applied for emergency funds on behalf of a family suffering from unexpected financial hardship due to COVID illness. The father, who was the primary source of income for the family of five, had not been able to work after spending five months in the ICU struggling with the virus. Then, while rehabbing from his ICU stay, a medication error created need for surgery. Not receiving disability benefits during dad’s year long hospitalization and the mom’s limited income as a Catholic school teacher left the family struggling financially. The emergency fund allowed this student to remain enrolled in his school and provide stability and community while the family navigated a financially and emotionally difficult road.
In another instance, job loss left a family with no other choice than to file for bankruptcy. The student’s school applied for Emergency funds on behalf of this family to help ease the financial burden and ensure this student could remain at the school. The family is now on its way to getting back on its feet and the students’ learning has continued to grow despite this hardship.
Illness, job loss, loss of family members, accidents and financial hurdles are some urgent and unexpected examples of hardships experienced by the families of CSF’s Emergency Fund. Yet despite all the challenges these families may face, it is imperative that students continue having a high-quality Catholic School education. The emergency funds helps students on the path to a brighter future.
You too can support students like these by donating through CSF.
Other articles to consider
Jan21CSF Scholar Jada ’26 Receives Full Scholarship to Princeton University Through QuestBridgeJada Nguyen, a senior at Cristo Rey Boston High School, exemplifies the power of opportunity and community support. A QuestBridge National College Match Scholar, Jada will attend Princeton University this fall, becoming one of the first in her family to pursue a college degree. Through Cristo Rey Boston’s Corporate Work Study Program and the support of the Catholic Schools Foundation, Jada discovered her passion for molecular biology and women’s health, gained hands-on research experience, and built the confidence to pursue highly competitive academic opportunities. We are proud to celebrate Jada’s achievements and grateful to our donors for helping make her journey possible.
See Details
Jan13Former St. Mary’s Principal Remembered With Memorial Bench and Gift to Support Students.The Melrose community came together to honor the life and legacy of former St. Mary’s School principal Helen Blinstrub—affectionately known as “Miss B”—with a memorial bench dedication and a meaningful gift to the Catholic Schools Foundation. Organized by four close friends whose children all attended St. Mary’s during Miss B’s tenure, the tribute reflects her lasting impact on generations of families. The donation supports need-based scholarships across Greater Boston, ensuring Miss B’s lifelong commitment to faith, education, and opportunity continues to shape students’ futures.
See Details
Recent Articles
- 01/21/26CSF Scholar Jada ’26 Receives Full Scholarship to Princeton University Through QuestBridge
- 01/13/26Former St. Mary’s Principal Remembered With Memorial Bench and Gift to Support Students.
- 01/12/26CSF Alumni Spotlight: Alejandro Baez From First-Generation Student to Community Advocate
- 01/8/26CSF Scholar Spotlight: Lucais Balurdi '27, Finding His Voice on Stage and Preparing for the Future
