Every child deserves the opportunity to grow in faith, discover their God-given gifts, and be formed within a Catholic community that nurtures both learning and discipleship. For many families, Catholic education is not simply a preference; it is a calling, rooted in faith and hope for their children’s future.

The Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education exists to honor that calling, opening doors today and providing for the future of our schools.

Established after the Diocese of Grand Rapids’ In the Name of the Lord campaign in 1998, the endowment was created to ensure that tuition assistance would always be available to families seeking a Catholic education for their children. The campaign ultimately gave rise to the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan, founded by Most Reverend Robert J. Rose, to strengthen Catholic education throughout the diocese. As the Church’s needs grew, the Foundation’s mission expanded to support parishes and ministries. Before the launch of the Our Shepherds-Our Future campaign in 2019, the Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education stood as the Foundation’s largest endowed fund.

Because of generous hearts united in mission, Catholic education remains within reach for families today and for generations to come.

Catholic education has always been at the heart of our mission as a diocese. The Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education, first established by Bishop Rose, reflects a lasting commitment to families seeking an education rooted in faith. Today, it is my hope and my responsibility to ensure this fund continues to grow so future generations of students may encounter Christ through our Catholic schools.” 

Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak

30 Years of Faithful Giving

Every gift becomes part of something enduring.

The Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education is the result of decades of generosity united by a shared belief in the mission of Catholic schools. Donors across the diocese have come together through quiet, faithful support to build an endowment that continues to grow and meet the increasing needs of families seeking a Catholic education.

Through years of faithful giving — large and small, immediate and planned — the fund has grown into a lasting source of support for students and schools throughout the diocese.

Preparing Students To Seek and Fulfill God’s Plan for Learning and Life

Bishop’s Scholarships

The mission of Catholic schools is lived out each day in classrooms across the diocese. Tuition assistance from the Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education allows families to choose an education rooted in faith, academic excellence, and community. At times when Catholic education feels out of reach for families, the generosity of those who support tuition assistance removes financial barriers and strengthens our larger Catholic community. 

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are an alliance of 31 vibrant, faith-based learning communities serving more than 6,000 elementary and high school students throughout West Michigan. Our schools inspire young people to grow in their faith and grace, achieve more in school and in life, develop creativity and character, and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts. 

In the current school year alone, $552,192 in Bishop’s Scholarships supported 901 students, helping ensure students are welcomed, supported, and formed in environments where faith and learning go hand in hand. 

Tuition assistance is mission-driven evangelization.

Catholic education shaped our lives in lasting ways, and we want that opportunity to remain available for generations to come. Attending St. John Vianney, teaching at both St. Mary (Lowell) and Holy Name of Jesus (Wyoming), and sending our sons to Immaculate Heart of Mary School, we experienced firsthand the impact Catholic education can have. It places faith first and foremost, provides a safe space to learn, and builds a strong academic foundation. Supporting this endowment is our way of helping to ensure that families seeking a Catholic education will continue to find open doors.” 

Mark and Valerie Henderson

We have been enriched by this community and have felt the support and prayers being offered for us. I feel we are exactly where we are meant to be. With financial assistance and private school aid, I can continue to send my children to West Catholic to help them grow in their faith and knowledge.”

The Ewald family

A Renewed Commitment

This generation has been entrusted with strengthening Catholic education for the next.

As enrollment patterns shift, costs rise, and more families seek Catholic education for their children, the need for tuition assistance continues to grow. In the past year alone, Bishop’s Scholarship applicants demonstrated more than $7 million in unmet need. Strengthening the Bishop’s Fund for Catholic Education ensures the Church remains ready to respond, sustaining Catholic schools today while investing in their vitality for generations to come.