History
Celebrating Our History
In March 2002, the Fulcrum Foundation (501 (c) 3) was incorporated with the purpose of providing financial assistance for all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Seattle through annual fund raising and a significantly increased endowment. We celebrate the leadership of Archbishop Alex J. Brunett for establishing the Fulcrum Foundation and we give thanks for the vision of Father Stephen Rowan, whose passion and dedication gave shape to the organization from the beginning.
Milestones
2019
The Fulcrum Early Childhood Education Fund is established through the Seattle Foundation by generous donors Dick and Sharon Abrams. This endowment supports Catholic early childhood education programs in the archdiocese in a variety of ways including tuition assistance, facilities grants, assessments and curriculum.
2018
Fulcrum launches an ambassador program, designed to increase brand awareness and build relationships with the western Washington Catholic schools. The ambassadors engage in school tours and serve as a foundation representative at Fulcrum events.
2017
Fulcrum, in partnership with the Office for Catholic Schools, launches two teacher leadership programs: GRACE (Guiding Regionally Advancing Catholic Education) for elementary school teachers and the High School Instructional Leadership Program for high school department chairs.
2016
Fulcrum partners with Turnstyle Studio to launch its new brand and visual identity.
2015
Fulcrum launches its Building Diversity & Inclusion Program to assist schools in welcoming students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or class by increasing accessibility, promoting academic excellence and increasing cultural competency of teachers and staff.
2014
Fulcrum partners with Visitation school in Tacoma to create the first Catholic STEM Academy in the Archdiocese.
2013
Fulcrum partners with 2 schools to create first of their kind programs in the Archdiocese, St. Therese Catholic Academy’s (Seattle) blended learning program and two-way language immersion at Holy Rosary Bilingual Academy (Tacoma).
2012
Fulcrum surpasses more than $1 million awarded in general tuition assistance grants.
2011
Fulcrum receives it largest donation from a single donor, over $11 million dollars from the estate of Ted and Connie Hossfeld. Fulcrum’s tuition assistance program has since been named in their honor.
2010
Fulcrum distributes over $2.5M in assistance to schools, teachers and families, making it the largest distribution of funds in a single year to schools in Archdiocesan history and a 310% increase since Fulcrum’s inception.
2009
The Embracing Our Legacy capital campaign soundly surpasses its goal, raising nearly $43 million for Catholic education.
2008
Fulcrum’s sixth annual Celebration of Light gala reaches a record-breaking $1 million in donations.
2007
Fulcrum’s young professional group, Amici, is founded.
2006
Fulcrum’s Legacy Society is formed to recognize donors who have included Fulcrum in their estate plans.
2005
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation donates $7.5 million to Fulcrum.
2004
Fulcrum begins its five-year Embracing Our Legacy capital campaign, with a goal of raising $40 million to benefit Catholic education.
2003
Fulcrum hosts its inaugural Celebration of Light gala, raising over $500,000.
2002
The Fulcrum Foundation is established as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.