Our History

In 1983, Most Reverend Thomas V. Daily and Paul J. Birmingham established the St. Anthony's Scholarship Fund to raise money to assist needy students with tuition assistance to Catholic schools. This organization was later incorporated in 1989 as the Catholic Schools Foundation and shortly thereafter, our signature program, the Inner City Scholarship Fund (ICSF) was born. Today, over twenty years later, CSF has expanded thirty-fold with the support of donors and active members from all sections of the community - business, academia, private and religious.

 

The landscape of Catholic education has changed over the years, but the Foundation remains committed to providing scholarship assistance and program aid for our students and schools. Our two main goals going forward include:

- Ensuring that all families who wish to send their children to Catholic schools are able to do so regardless of their financial situation

- Helping schools build sustainability to guarantee a bright future for Catholic education

- We look forward to working with you to continue to Build Minds and Change Lives. For more information on the growth, efforts,

  and accomplishments of the Foundation over the years, please see our Timeline below.

 

 

1983:

The St. Anthony Scholarship Fund founded by Paul J. Birmingham and Most Reverend Thomas V Daily, D.D.

Two hundred students receive first partial scholarships from the Fund.

 

1986:

One thousand students awarded scholarships from St. Anthony's Scholarship Fund, led by President Msgr. Francis Lally.

 

1988:

Reception for Boston area community leaders to hear untold success stories of Catholic schools.

 

1989:

St. Anthony's Scholarship Fund becomes The Catholic Schools Foundation, Inc (CSF).

William Randolph Hearst Foundation establishes endowment for scholarship support of inner-city students.

 

1991:

WCVB-TV Channel 5 news anchors Natalie Jacobson and Chet Curtis host first ICSF Dinner, inaugurated by S. James Coppersmith and community leadership team of 23 co-chairpersons.

 

1992:

Peter S. Lynch elected president of The CSF and becomes chairman of the Inner City Scholarship Fund (ICSF).

Foundation raises more than $1 million and provides partial scholarship support for over 3,000 low-income Catholic school students.

First ICSF School Bus Tour takes place at Cathedral High.

 

1993:

The CSF Endowment Fund established to provide donors the option of permanent endowment.

 

1995:

Marketing Program launched to promote the value of the Catholic education and increase school enrollment.

Stephen D. Birmingham chairs and inaugurates first Spring Fundraising Event for young professionals to help raise scholarship funds.

Young Professionals' Team established to help provide volunteer and tuition assistance.

 

1996:

ICSF recognizes first $1 million endowment gift from Patrick and Daniel "Bud" Roche to create a scholarship fund for Sacred Heart Parish students in Roslindale.

 

1997:

Frank and Eileen Ward commit to a multi-year, multi-million dollar donation to expand scholarship support and help launch the Marketing Program.

Dr. Robert J. Shillman, president of Cognex Corporation, hosts the first Industry Tour.

Hale and Dorr LLP enter into an innovative partnership with Cathedral High School as part of their Inner-City Youth and Education Initiative.

Fidelity Investments helps launch ICSF marketing initiative.

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