Helping Families Afford
a Catholic Education
Supporting the affordability
of Catholic elementary and
high school education in the
Archdiocese of Washington
The Shepherd Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to ensuring that Catholic school tuition remains within reach for families in need.
Founded in 1986 by the Rev. Msgr. John J. Enzler, Richard C. Ridgway, Richard Sullivan, Sr. and other Washington, DC area business leaders, The The Shepherd Foundation has raised over $15 million and provided tuition assistance to over 10,000 students across 77 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington.
Every dollar contributed goes directly to student scholarship. All administrative costs are covered by the Board—ensuring maximum impact for those who need it most.
For Parents
Need help with tuition? The Shepherd Foundation partners with schools to support families with demonstrated financial need. Please contact your school directly to learn more about available assistance.
Schools We’ve Assisted
Thanks to generous donations, The Shepherd Foundation has helped make Catholic education possible for families across the DC metro area. See the schools we’ve proudly supported.
Student Successes
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Shepherd Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1986 with a mission to provide tuition assistance to families in need, ensuring that children have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education in the Washington, DC metro area. We assist these children not because they are Catholic, but because we are Catholic.
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Thanks to the generosity of our donors, The Shepherd Foundation has raised over $14 million, providing tuition assistance to more than 10,000 students across 63 Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of Washington.
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100% of all donations go directly to tuition assistance. The Shepherd Foundation operates with zero administrative costs funded by donations, ensuring that every dollar contributed directly supports students in need.
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Yes, all donations to The Shepherd Foundation are fully tax-deductible.
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The Shepherd Foundation distributes funds directly to principals and headmasters of Catholic elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. These school leaders have the best understanding of their students’ needs and ensure that assistance reaches families who need it most.
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Grade school students: Receive between $800 – $1,000 in tuition assistance.
High school students: Receive between $1,200 – $3,000 in tuition assistance.
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Our biggest annual awareness event takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving, featuring a special Mass and concert to highlight our mission and engage supporters.
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The Shepherd Foundation welcomes volunteers to support our mission in various ways, including:
Raising awareness
Serving as Parish Ambassadors
Assisting with Fundraising
If you're interested in making a difference, please email info@theshepherdfoundation.org.
Upcoming Event
Sip, Socialize & Support: Happy Hour at Alatri Bros for The Shepherd Foundation
🗓️ Date: Tuesday, May 13
🕔 Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Alatri Bros, 4926 Cordell Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
🎟️ $25 Ticket
All proceeds help provide tuition assistance to families seeking a Catholic education for their children through The Shepherd Foundation.
Archbishop Carroll High School
"Being a Shepherd Scholar means that I have to maintain a standard of excellence. It is a privilege to have the Shepherd Foundation assist my family with my tuition because it means people have invested money in my education to help me succeed."