Our History
In 1986, a group of Washington, DC area business leaders came together to talk and plan. They wanted to return something to their own community in gratitude for their own opportunities for success. From that desire to give, the idea of The Shepherd Foundation was born... a foundation based on the premise that the most important investment anyone can make is in the education and development of the children of our community.
Our Mission
The purpose of the Shepherd Foundation is to provide tuition assistance for families who need financial aid in order to send their children to Catholic elementary and high schools. We don't do this because the children are Catholic, but because we are Catholic, and recognize the importance of the gift of Catholic education. We work closely with the local elementary and high schools of the Washington Archdiocese to identify deserving students--Catholic or non-Catholic--who need our help with their tuition needs.
Our Impact
Since inception, The Shepherd Foundation has raised $14 million and assisted over 10,000 students at 63 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington. Every dollar contributed to the Foundation is returned to the student's needs and 100% of all administrative costs are absorbed by the Board members. The tremendous achievements of The Shepherd Foundation are a reflection of the generosity of all the contributors and their realization that they really can and do make a difference.