What a difference $2 can make
Did you know that many families in Canada need to pay tuition to attend their local Catholic school? Our charitable foundation alleviates the financial burden on Catholic families who live in a province where Catholic education has limited or no public funding through the CCSTA Endowment Fund.
Toonies for Tuition, the official campaign for the CCSTA Endowment Fund, is asking for your help in fundraising for this worthwhile initiative. Every year, there are more requests than funds available, so help us turn that around. Consider joining our campaign to share the gift of Catholic education.
Your toonies make a difference
“Receiving tuition support is so very important for some of our families who are struggling because of circumstances out of their control, but they are determined to give their child a Catholic education even if they must sacrifice in other areas of their life.”
– Principal, St. Mary’s School, Cranbrook, BC
“My family received $1,000 in tuition assistance from the CCSTA Charitable Foundation Tuition Assistance Program for two of our children who attend St. Maurice School. We may have had to remove our children from the school if not for the assistance received.”
– Parent, St. Maurice School, Winnipeg, MB
As a widowed single parent struggling to support my family, I could not possibly have afforded to pay full tuition. Support has been supplied with the utmost discretion – we have never been made to feel like charity cases, but, rather, as if we are valued parts of the school community.
– Parent, St. Bonaventure’s College, St. John’s, NL
Over the past 3 years, this much needed financial assistance has made a difference to several of our low-income families. Many of our families are recent migrants and are struggling to keep up with the high cost of living in the Lower Mainland. Without the extra support from the CCSTA, these families would not be able to access a faith-based quality education that is provided by our Catholic schools.
-Principal St. Edmund’s Elementary, North Vancouver, BC
Fundraising ideas
Consider rallying the troops at your school, parish, or community organization to fundraise for Toonies for Tuition. Read our comprehensive Toonies for Tuition Fundraising Toolkit for information and ideas to get you started! Share your ideas or event photos on social media using #TooniesForTuition! Remember, every toonie makes a difference. For more ideas, check out our 2024-2025 Guide To School Fundraising
Spread the word
Help us make a difference for Catholic families through our #TooniesForTuition campaign. Share one of our graphics on social media. Not sure what to say? Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Catholic education made a difference in my life, that’s why I’m raising money for #TooniesForTuition! Join me: xx@xx
- I’m raising funds for #TooniesForTuition in support of Catholic education. Help me reach my goal of raising 1000 Toonies this month: xx@xx
- Give the gift of Catholic education! Organize a #TooniesForTuition fundraiser at your school: xx@xx
Fundraising resources
- Social Media Graphics
- Twitter marketing collateral
- School Fundraising Ideas
- Catholic education funding and enrolment in Canada
- Printable advertising
Catholic Education Enrolment and Funding in Canada
FAQ
What is Toonies for Tuition?
In 2005, CCSTA established a Charitable Foundation to assist students in Catholic schools with their tuition costs in provinces with limited or no public funding. During its 2006 AGM in St. John’s, NL, CCSTA members envisaged the Toonies for Tuition campaign as the official fundraiser for the Charitable Foundation.
Why is there a need for Toonies for Tuition?
Full public funding for Catholic schools only exists in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Partial funding (approximately 50%) occurs in Manitoba and British Columbia. Meanwhile, Catholic schools located in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, NL and Nunavut receive no government funding. Operating a school costs money, and in many places in Canada, local tuition donations and fundraising are the only financial source. Toonies assists to help alleviate these costs.
How does the fundraising work?
Throughout the year, schools, boards, parishes and organizations hold a special day or week for fundraising. Donations can be made online or by cheque.
Two annual trophies are awarded to the school board and province who raise the most funds for TFT based on FTE.
How do students access the funds?
Each year, a school applies for money, including a brief description of the family’s situation and the funds requested. Applications are due March 31st.
Who decides what applications receive approval?
The Endowment Fund Committee, a group of five members operating at arm’s length from CCSTA, reviews the applications in April and May. By June 30, decisions have been made and the schools are informed.
How will I know if my donation has gone to the fund?
All donations of $20 or more will receive a thank you note and tax receipt via email.. The CCSTA Charitable Foundation is a registered Canadian charity.
What is the Trophy Challenge?
In a bid to raise funds for the CCSTA Toonies for Tuition fund, in 2011 the Saskatchewan trustees created a trophy challenge. Read more to find out about how your board or province can win the annual trophy.