Every child deserves a place where they can grow, belong, and thrive.
Who We Are
Every day in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, children discover who they are becoming. They learn kindness, courage, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. They encounter teachers who know them, believe in them, and nurture their gifts. They join communities where faith is lived, belonging is felt, and excellence is expected.
The Foundation for Catholic Education exists to ensure this experience is never out of reach for a child who needs it.
We strengthen Catholic elementary schools through funding, innovation, and close partnership. We help families overcome financial barriers. We support school leaders with tools for sustainability. And we advance programs that help children learn, grow, and flourish.
Our work begins and ends with one question: What does a child need to thrive?
Mission
We promote and support the growth, vitality, and sustainability of Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia so every child can access an education that forms both hearts and minds.
Vision
A strong, sustainable future for Catholic schools—rooted in faith, committed to excellence, and accessible to families for generations to come.
Core Values
Faith-Centered
We are guided by the mission of the Catholic Church in all that we do, ensuring that every action reflects our commitment to forming hearts and minds of missionary disciples.
Equity
Every child deserves access to a high-quality
Catholic education.
Innovation
We invest in programs that prepare students for the world ahead while honoring Catholic identity.
Stewardship
We manage every gift with transparency, care,
and accountability.
Partnership
We collaborate with schools, parishes, donors, and community leaders. Strong relationships build strong schools.
Our Story
The work of the Foundation began long before its name existed.
Jerry Parsons grew up in a large Catholic family formed by the values, discipline, and daily life of parish schools. His parents, Don and Betty Parsons, raised eight children who attended Catholic school from the start. That experience shaped the family’s deep commitment to faith, community, and the belief that Catholic education changes lives.
As an adult, Jerry remained closely involved in Catholic education, eventually co-chairing the Archdiocese’s Executive Board of Elementary Education (EBEE). There, he saw what parish schools were facing: rising costs, declining subsidies, and growing operational demands that principals and pastors struggled to meet alone.
The strategy was clear. The need was urgent. The resources were insufficient.
Jerry realized EBEE needed a dedicated funding and sustainability engine, something strong enough to support families, strengthen operations, and secure the mission of Catholic education.
So in 2010, he founded the Foundation for Catholic Education.
- 2010: FCE launches to provide tuition assistance and stabilize parish schools.
- 2018: After meeting with a struggling school, Jerry creates the Strategic Planning Assistance Team (SPAT), now one of the region’s most effective school-support models.
- 2023: FCE introduces the K–8 Coding & Robotics Program, quickly adopted by 63 schools.
- Today: FCE supports schools through tuition assistance, STREAM innovation, STARS certification, inclusion programs, SPAT, and county-level engagement.
Through every chapter of our history, one purpose has remained constant:
Keep Catholic schools strong. Keep education rooted in faith and excellence.
Governance Ecosystem
Catholic elementary education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is supported through a coordinated leadership structure:
Executive Board of Elementary Education (EBEE)
EBEE is the Archdiocese’s strategic advisory and governance committee for elementary education. It includes leaders from OCE, the Archdiocese, the Foundation for Catholic Education, and other local Scholarship Organizations, higher education, and community partners. EBEE guides long-term strategy, identifies system-wide needs, and helps ensure mission alignment across all stakeholders. The Foundation was created directly from EBEE’s work.
Office of Catholic Education (OCE)
OCE provides educational leadership, Catholic identity, curriculum guidance, and principal support. The Foundation collaborates closely with OCE on programs such as SPAT, enrollment initiatives, coding and robotics, and early learning support.
Foundation for Catholic Education (FCE)
FCE serves as the philanthropic and sustainability engine for Catholic elementary schools. We raise and distribute funds, support innovation, and help schools strengthen their operational foundations.
Together, EBEE, OCE, and FCE ensure that mission, management, and resources move forward in unity.
Our Programs
Donate
Explore Programs
Discover the academic, social, and support programs shaping bright futures.
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Tax Credit Programs
Turn your PA tax dollars into direct support for local students and families.
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Funders & Partners
The Foundation’s work is strengthened by generous supporters who believe in the power of Catholic education. Together, we build a stronger future for Catholic schools and the children they serve.
Leadership
Our work is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors and supported by partners across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Together, we bring experience in education, parish life, nonprofit leadership, finance, business, and pastoral ministry.
Officers
Jerry Parsons, President and Chair
Leo Parsons, Vice President
Sister Stephen Anne Rodriguez, IHM, Secretary
Chris Howe, Treasurer
Directors
Michael Bradley
Jim Delaney
Bernadette Dougherty
Dan Fitzpatrick
Most Reverend Michael J. Fitzgerald, D.D., J.D., J.C.D.
Reverend Kevin Gallagher
Ed McAssey
Anthony Naccarato
Rick Steibritz
Pat Ward
Ex Officio
Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, D.D.
Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski
Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D
Kaitlin Lennon
Our Team
We are a mission-driven team committed to serving schools with professionalism, responsiveness, and deep respect for the work of Catholic education.
Emily Norton Ashinhurst
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah Bongiovanni
Director of Development
Monica Boyle
Director of Marketing and Communications
Andrew Carlin
Staff Accountant
Victor D’Ascenzo
Vice President of Development
Anne Marie Fisher
Robotics and County Council Coordinator
Erin Lynch
Staff Accountant
Kevin McGinley
Accounting Manager
Kyle Richter
Accounting Manager
Katherine Stansbury
STARS Coordinator
What Does A Child Need To Thrive?
Every day in Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, children discover who they are becoming. They learn kindness, courage, curiosity, and a sense of purpose. They encounter teachers who know them, believe in them, and nurture their gifts.
Our Mission
We promote and support the growth, vitality, and sustainability of Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia so every child can access an education that forms both hearts and minds.
Foundation for Catholic Education
1373 Enterprise Drive
West Chester, PA 19380
484-790-8042