Catholic Education Foundation

To meet the goal of disbursing the maximum amount of need-based scholarships to children who want to attend an elementary and secondary school in the Diocese of Joliet, the CEF educates the general public of numerous tax advantaged vehicles.  CEF staff works with the donor to determine an effective and appropriate plan to match their specific charitable intent with the needs of thousands of students each year.

The Catholic Education Foundation raises funds to alllow children in need to attend an elementary and secondary Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Joliet.  

The seven county service area of the CEF is DuPage, Ford, Iroquois, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, and Will.

The Diocesan 48 grade schools and 7 high schools serve 21,000 students and represents the 21st largest Catholic school system in the United States.

Managed by a Board of Directors comprised of clergy and lay leaders from throughout the diocese, the CEF directly distributes over 1,600 need-based scholarships and educational program grants each year.  The CEF has distributed over $19 million since its inception in 1996.