K-12 EDUCATION PROJECTS

The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation supports projects that promote new economic development, demonstrate a sustained positive impact, and benefit community foundations, educational institutions, civic entities, local government, and non-profit organizations through matching gifts.

Big Shoulders Fund

Big Shoulders Fund is an independent charitable organization headquartered in Chicago. The Foundation’s gift of $16 million extended the program’s reach to Northwest Indiana.

AQUINAS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SCHOOL EXPANSION

Big Shoulders has played an important role in helping Aquinas Elementary School secure essential funding for scholarships, federal lunch programs, curriculum materials, staff training, and transformative experiences for students. Their efforts have led to significant growth in both staff and student numbers, prompting the school to seek expansion support from the Foundation, resulting in a combined fundraising effort of $1.28 million to enhance the learning environment for students.

AQUINAS PLAYGROUND SYSTEMS

Thanks to a generous grant from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, five elementary schools in Northwest Indiana have transformed their playgrounds with custom-designed systems from Kidstuff Playsystems, based in Gary, enhancing the play experience for students.