FIRE opens doors. And hearts.

Through fundraising and advocacy, FIRE lights the way for children with special needs to share in the opportunities that Catholic schools provide. Without funding from FIRE, most students with special learning needs would not be able to attend Catholic schools. By fostering a culture of acceptance and compassion, ALL students benefit from inclusion as they grow together in faith, knowledge and friendship. FIRE’s model of funding and advocacy has become a national model for inclusive Catholic education.

As FIRE approaches two decades of supporting inclusive Catholic education, the Foundation has provided nearly $4.8 million to partner schools. Our donors’ gifts make it possible for schools to hire special educators and para-professionals and purchase learning materials and technology. The FIRE Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization. To maximize the impact of donors’ gifts, we are committed to keeping administrative costs low.

Lighting the way for our kids.

In partnership with FIRE, 14 area Catholic schools will welcome students with special needs into classrooms this year. We are blessed to be able to support these schools’ inclusive learning environments and look forward to welcoming additional schools into the FIRE family in the future.

Our friends are the fuel that keep FIRE’s blaze aglow. Without your support, our schools simply wouldn’t be able to include kids with significant special needs. Staffing costs for paraprofessionals and special educators range from $15,000 to $40,000.

Through your generosity, we’ve ignited inclusive Catholic education in schools throughout the area. But there are more schools, more families and more children who await the spark of FIRE. Our Foundation currently supports inclusive education in 42% of Diocesan schools. With your support, we can ensure that more schools are able to welcome students with special needs.