Calgary Catholic Education Foundation

The Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the educational experience of students within the Calgary Catholic School District. Established in 2009 by community members, including Lois Burke-Gaffney and Ted Valentine, CCEF focuses on enhancing learning opportunities that align with Catholic faith values, as Catholic schools in Calgary do not receive funding from charitable casino events[2].

Mission and Objectives

CCEF's mission is to provide additional educational opportunities for students, addressing inequities in education by supporting projects beyond the core curriculum. The foundation aims to ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, have access to enhanced educational experiences[5]. Key areas of support include:

• Social Justice Actions: Initiatives such as the Bishop Henry Social Justice Award and High School Social Justice Summit[2].
• Citizenship, Leadership, and Stewardship Development: Programs focusing on mental wellness, sports equipment, and leadership skills[2].
• Leading-Edge Learning Opportunities: Support for educational technology, STEAM initiatives, and literacy programs[2].
• Safe, Caring, and Faith-Filled Schools: Projects involving the arts, Indigenous cultural programs, and safe playground structures[2].
• Campus Calgary/Open Minds: A program that offers unique educational experiences outside the traditional classroom setting[2].

Impact

Since its inception, the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation has awarded over $3 million in grants. In the 2019/2020 school year alone, it funded $162,000 worth of projects that benefited approximately 19,000 students[2]. The foundation supports the largest Catholic school district in Alberta, with over 117 schools and more than 57,000 students[5].

History and Establishment

The foundation was created in response to the lack of external fundraising opportunities for Calgary Catholic schools. It has been instrumental in bridging funding gaps for schools with smaller parent councils or limited financial resources[5].

Financial Status

CCEF is registered as a Canadian charity with the registration number 820582294RR0001[3].

Leadership

The foundation is led by an executive director who oversees its operations and fundraising efforts[5].