More than 300 donors gathered at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn on October 29, 2026, for the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s third annual Igniting Our Future Gala, raising more than $400,000 to expand scholarships and strengthen Catholic school endowments across southeast Michigan.
Catholic education received a significant financial boost in metro Detroit as the Catholic Foundation of Michigan raised more than $400,000 to help students and families access Catholic schools.
The foundation hosted its third annual Igniting Our Future Gala on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
More than 300 Catholic donors, philanthropists, clergy members, and community supporters attended the event, which brought together religious leadership, educational advocates, and charitable organizations committed to strengthening Catholic education.
The funds will support scholarships and school endowment programs throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.
According to an October 30 report by Detroit Catholic, the foundation has already distributed more than $300,000 in scholarships to 164 students attending 42 Catholic schools during 2026. The latest fundraising effort will help finance additional assistance in the coming year. Detroit Catholic
Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger attended the celebration, joining foundation leaders in recognizing the role of charitable giving in expanding educational opportunities.
For Catholic families across southeast Michigan, the event represents more than a successful fundraising evening. It reflects an ongoing effort to reduce financial barriers, preserve Catholic school communities, and invest in the religious and academic formation of future generations.
More Than $400,000 Raised at the 2026 Igniting Our Future Gala
The October 29 gathering marked the third annual Igniting Our Future Gala, one of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s major fundraising events.
Held inside the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, the evening featured a formal dinner, charitable giving opportunities, a live auction, and presentations emphasizing the long-term importance of Catholic education.
The museum’s historic setting provided a distinctive backdrop for an event focused on the future of Michigan’s Catholic schools.
2026 CATHOLIC EDUCATION FUNDRAISING — KEY FIGURES
$400K+
Raised at the October 29 gala
300+
Donors and supporters attending
164
Students receiving scholarships in 2026
42
Catholic schools supported in 2026
Reported by Detroit Catholic on October 30, 2026. The $400,000 gala total is separate from the more than $300,000 already distributed in scholarships during 2026. Detroit Catholic
The fundraising total is especially significant because the foundation supports both immediate financial assistance and longer-term educational resources.
Scholarships can help eligible families meet tuition costs, while endowments are designed to provide a more sustainable source of funding over time.
This combination allows donors to address current needs without losing sight of future generations.
The gala also demonstrated how individual contributions, corporate sponsorships, and charitable auctions can work together to support a shared educational mission.
John Biskner Highlights Scholarships for 164 Students at 42 Schools
A central message of the evening came from John Biskner, president and CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan.
Biskner told attendees that the foundation had distributed more than $300,000 in scholarships to 164 students across 42 Catholic schools during 2026.
Those figures illustrate the foundation’s existing reach across southeast Michigan.
Rather than concentrating assistance in a single school or neighborhood, the foundation works with Catholic educational communities throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Biskner also explained that money raised during the gala would help fund scholarships to be distributed the following year.
His remarks emphasized the importance of helping families who value Catholic education but face financial obstacles.
According to Detroit Catholic’s coverage, Biskner described donors as partners in supporting children, parents, teachers, and school leaders. Detroit Catholic
Why these scholarship figures matter
The 2026 scholarship distribution provides a useful measure of the foundation’s impact.
| Measure | Reported 2026 result |
|---|---|
| Scholarships distributed | More than $300,000 |
| Students supported | 164 |
| Catholic schools represented | 42 |
| Funds raised at October gala | More than $400,000 |
Dividing $300,000 by 164 students produces approximately $1,829 per student, although the actual average exceeds that figure because the reported total is more than $300,000.
This is only a mathematical illustration, not a statement that each student received the same amount.
Individual scholarship awards may vary according to financial need, available funding, and the requirements of particular programs.
The foundation’s financial assistance can help families close the gap between the cost of Catholic education and what they can reasonably afford.
For some households, that assistance may make the difference between considering Catholic education and being able to enroll a child.
How Catholic School Scholarships Help Families in Southeast Michigan
Catholic schools have historically combined academic instruction with religious education, service opportunities, and an emphasis on moral formation.
However, tuition and related educational expenses can create challenges for families seeking this type of education.
Financial assistance programs are therefore an important part of maintaining access.
The Catholic Foundation of Michigan supports several scholarship and endowment initiatives intended to help families who might otherwise struggle to afford Catholic school tuition.
One important example is the St. Anne Scholars Fund.
The St. Anne Scholars Fund
Established in 2020 under then-Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, the St. Anne Scholars Fund helps families who have already explored other sources of financial assistance but still need additional support.
The program works with school leaders to identify students whose families face financial challenges.
According to an October 14, 2026, Detroit Catholic report, scholarship applications are evaluated with input from principals and the foundation’s Grants and Impact Committee.
This process helps direct assistance toward students with demonstrated needs. Detroit Catholic
The fund is one part of the foundation’s broader educational support system.
The St. Martin de Porres Fund
Another initiative, the St. Martin de Porres Fund, was established to support students of Latin American backgrounds.
Its work reflects the foundation’s interest in helping Catholic education remain accessible to families from different communities and cultural traditions.
Both programs illustrate how targeted charitable funds can respond to particular educational needs while supporting the broader mission of Catholic schools.
For families in Detroit, Dearborn, Warren, and surrounding communities, such initiatives can provide practical assistance alongside the educational and spiritual benefits associated with Catholic schooling.
Archbishop Edward Weisenburger Thanks Donors for Investing in Catholic Education
Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger participated in the gala and thanked donors for supporting Catholic school students and families.
His remarks connected the foundation’s financial work with the wider mission of the Church.
The archbishop reflected on the questions young people ask about faith, identity, and meaning.
He suggested that Catholic educational ministries have an important opportunity to accompany young people as they explore those questions.
The archbishop also acknowledged the generosity of those contributing to the foundation’s mission.
His participation highlighted the relationship between charitable philanthropy and the pastoral priorities of the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Catholic education is not simply an administrative concern for the Church.
It is also a ministry through which schools seek to introduce students to Catholic teaching, encourage service, and develop a sense of responsibility toward others.
For donors, supporting tuition assistance can be a way to participate in that mission even if they do not have children currently attending Catholic schools.
For parish communities, the continued availability of Catholic education can help maintain connections among families, educators, alumni, and local churches.
Curtis Martin Brings a Message of Faith and Leadership to the Gala
The keynote speaker for the 2026 Igniting Our Future Gala was Curtis Martin, founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, commonly known as FOCUS.
Martin founded FOCUS in 1998 with the goal of supporting Catholic evangelization and discipleship among university students.
Over the following decades, the organization expanded its work through campus missionaries, Bible studies, leadership formation, and other programs designed to engage young adults.
At the October 29 gala, Martin connected the mission of the Catholic Foundation of Michigan with St. Paul’s imagery of athletic competition.
He compared the transmission of faith between generations to a relay race, in which one participant must successfully pass responsibility to the next.
The analogy emphasized that supporting young people involves more than achieving success in the present.
It also requires preparing the next generation to carry forward the values and responsibilities they inherit.
Detroit Catholic reported that Martin encouraged attendees to consider their role in passing on the Catholic faith through education and mentorship. Detroit Catholic
His message aligned with the foundation’s emphasis on long-term educational investment.
Scholarships can help students attend Catholic schools today, while strong educational communities may influence their choices, relationships, and service throughout adulthood.
The event’s focus on future leadership therefore extended beyond academic achievement to include spiritual formation and community responsibility.
Catholic Foundation of Michigan Celebrates Nine Years of Charitable Giving
The 2026 gala also provided an opportunity to reflect on the Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s development since its establishment in 2017.
Kathleen McCann, a founding board member, addressed the gathering and reflected on the foundation’s nine years of supporting charitable initiatives.
Her remarks emphasized the responsibility of donors to help build a future in which young people can grow through faith, education, and service.
The foundation’s work extends beyond a single fundraising event.
It helps donors establish charitable funds, supports Catholic ministries, and manages resources intended to benefit communities over time.
Its initiatives include assistance for Catholic schools, youth programs, parish-related activities, and other charitable priorities.
The foundation’s 2024 annual report documented significant growth in its charitable work, including more than $29.5 million in cumulative grants distributed to over 580 nonprofit organizations at the time of that report.
The same report identified approximately 3,600 individual donors who had contributed to its mission. Catholic Foundation of Michigan
These historical figures provide context for the foundation’s growing role in Catholic philanthropy across Michigan. They should not be confused with its 2026 gala fundraising total.
From the first gala to the 2026 celebration
The foundation held its inaugural Igniting Our Future Gala on October 3, 2024, at One Campus Martius in Detroit.
That first event raised approximately $275,000 for scholarships and youth programs.
Two years later, the third annual gala generated more than $400,000.
Using the reported minimum figures, the 2026 total was at least $125,000 higher than the amount raised at the inaugural celebration.
Because the latest total was reported as exceeding $400,000, the exact increase cannot be calculated without a final audited fundraising figure.
Nevertheless, the comparison illustrates the expanding scale of the gala as a source of support for Catholic education. Catholic Foundation of Michigan+1
Marcus Peter Emphasizes the Mission of Catholic Education
The evening was hosted by Marcus Peter, Ph.D., president of Ave Maria Radio.
As master of ceremonies, Peter connected the foundation’s fundraising activities with Catholic social teaching and the importance of faith-centered education.
He also reflected on his personal religious journey and the role Catholic education played in shaping his understanding of faith.
His remarks highlighted a central theme of the evening: education involves more than transmitting academic knowledge.
Within the Catholic tradition, schools are also expected to encourage spiritual development, ethical responsibility, and service to others.
Peter’s participation brought a media and evangelization perspective to the event, complementing the educational and philanthropic messages delivered by other speakers.
The evening’s combination of testimony, fundraising, and religious reflection reinforced the foundation’s stated mission of helping young people develop academically and spiritually. Detroit Catholic
A Live Auction Connects Catholic Generosity With Community Leadership
One of the fundraising activities at the gala was a live auction featuring experiences donated by supporters and community partners.
Among the offerings was an opportunity to have lunch with Archbishop Weisenburger, accompanied by religious artwork personally selected by the archbishop.
Detroit Catholic documented the archbishop with the supporter who submitted the winning bid for that experience.
The foundation also promoted other auction opportunities in advance of the event, including travel and recreational experiences donated by sponsors.
These offerings were intended to encourage charitable participation while supporting scholarships and youth formation grants. Catholic Foundation of Michigan+1
Charitable auctions can provide organizations with a way to engage donors beyond conventional financial contributions.
They also create opportunities for supporters to connect with religious leaders, local businesses, and other individuals who share an interest in Catholic education.
The published fundraising total includes the gala’s reported proceeds, but the available reporting does not provide a complete breakdown by ticket sales, sponsorships, auction purchases, and direct donations.
For that reason, individual revenue categories should not be treated as separately verified amounts.
Why Catholic School Endowments Matter for Long-Term Stability
Although the October gala’s immediate achievement was its fundraising total, the foundation’s work with endowments is also important.
An endowment is a charitable fund generally designed to support an organization or purpose over an extended period.
Depending on the fund’s governing terms, donated assets may be invested, with a portion of the available earnings or distributions used to support programs.
For Catholic schools, endowments can help provide resources for tuition assistance and other approved educational needs.
Unlike a single annual donation that is spent immediately, an appropriately structured endowment can create a continuing source of financial support.
This approach offers several potential benefits.
First, it can help schools and scholarship organizations plan beyond a single academic year.
Second, it provides donors with opportunities to establish a charitable legacy connected to Catholic education.
Third, it can help reduce dependence on unpredictable fundraising cycles, although investment returns and available distributions are never guaranteed.
Finally, endowment funds may help schools respond to future financial challenges while maintaining their educational mission.
The Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s support for both scholarships and school endowments reflects an effort to balance immediate family needs with longer-term financial planning.
Importantly, the full $400,000-plus raised at the gala should not be assumed to be available for immediate tuition awards. The reported proceeds support both scholarships and endowment programs, and the precise allocation has not been publicly detailed in the cited coverage.
How Catholic Education Strengthens Detroit’s Parish Communities
Catholic schools are often closely connected with the parishes and neighborhoods they serve.
Their influence can extend beyond classroom instruction through parish activities, charitable service, sacramental preparation, and family involvement.
In southeast Michigan, these relationships are particularly relevant as the Archdiocese of Detroit continues evaluating how its parishes and ministries can serve communities in the years ahead.
Scholarship support may help families remain connected with Catholic educational institutions even when tuition presents a financial challenge.
For parishes, schools can serve as gathering places where families develop relationships and participate in community life.
For students, Catholic education may provide opportunities to encounter religious traditions, volunteer in their neighborhoods, and explore questions about faith and personal responsibility.
These potential benefits do not mean that every family has the same educational needs or preferences.
They do help explain why the Catholic Foundation of Michigan places such importance on educational access.
The foundation’s fundraising model invites donors to support families whose financial circumstances might otherwise limit their choices.
Its work also reinforces the connection between education and the Church’s broader commitment to serving people across different economic backgrounds.
What the $400,000 Fundraising Milestone Means for 2027
The most immediate question following the gala is how the new fundraising proceeds will affect students in the next scholarship cycle.
John Biskner confirmed that the money raised at the October 29 event will help fund scholarships distributed in the following year.
That means the gala’s impact is expected to extend into 2027, alongside the foundation’s continuing support for school endowments.
However, several details have not yet been publicly confirmed in the reporting reviewed for this article:
- The final amount raised beyond the reported $400,000 threshold.
- The proportion allocated to scholarships versus endowments.
- The number of students expected to receive assistance in the next distribution cycle.
- The specific award amounts and application deadlines for each participating scholarship program.
These details will be important for families interested in future assistance.
For now, the clearest measure of the foundation’s established scholarship work is its reported 2026 distribution of more than $300,000 to 164 students across 42 schools.
The latest gala creates an additional source of support, but families should not assume that all funds will be distributed immediately or that eligibility requirements will be identical across programs.
How Detroit-Area Families Can Explore Catholic School Financial Assistance
Families interested in Catholic education can begin by contacting the admissions or financial assistance office at a school they are considering.
School administrators can explain tuition policies, available aid programs, and application procedures.
Families may also contact the Catholic Foundation of Michigan to learn more about the charitable funds it supports.
Catholic Foundation of Michigan
Scholarships, charitable funds, school endowments, and Catholic philanthropy
Archdiocese of Detroit Catholic Schools
Information about Catholic education and schools across southeast Michigan
Explore Detroit-area Catholic schools
Because scholarship requirements and deadlines can vary, families should confirm current information directly with the relevant school or scholarship administrator.
The St. Anne Scholars Fund and other foundation-supported programs may provide assistance based on financial need and additional eligibility criteria.
Applying early and asking about multiple sources of financial aid can help families better understand their options.
Catholic Philanthropy and the Future of Education in Michigan
The 2026 Igniting Our Future Gala illustrates how organized charitable giving can support the future of Catholic education.
More than 300 participants gathered around a shared objective: helping students gain access to schools that combine academic instruction with Catholic faith formation.
The event’s success depended on contributions from donors, community leaders, religious organizations, and charitable partners.
It also reflected years of work by the Catholic Foundation of Michigan to establish scholarship programs and develop longer-term sources of educational funding.
The participation of Archbishop Weisenburger, John Biskner, Curtis Martin, Kathleen McCann, and Marcus Peter demonstrated the range of perspectives involved in that effort.
Their contributions connected philanthropy with questions about religious identity, youth development, educational access, and the future of the Church.
As Catholic schools continue navigating financial pressures and changing family needs, organizations that provide scholarships and endowment support may remain important partners.
The effectiveness of those efforts will ultimately be measured not only by fundraising totals but also by how resources are distributed and the opportunities they create for students.
Conclusion: Investing in the Next Generation of Detroit Catholics
The Catholic Foundation of Michigan’s third annual Igniting Our Future Gala marked a significant fundraising achievement for Catholic education in southeast Michigan.
Held on October 29, 2026, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, the event brought together more than 300 supporters and raised over $400,000 for scholarships and Catholic school endowment programs.
The achievement builds on the foundation’s existing educational assistance, including more than $300,000 in scholarships distributed to 164 students attending 42 Catholic schools during 2026.
With Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger and prominent Catholic leaders participating, the evening emphasized the relationship between generosity, educational opportunity, and the transmission of faith across generations.
For families seeking Catholic education, the fundraising milestone represents the prospect of additional financial assistance in 2027.
For donors and parish communities, it demonstrates how collective contributions can help sustain schools and support students who might otherwise face financial barriers.
The lasting importance of the $400,000 milestone will be determined by the opportunities it helps create: students receiving financial assistance, families gaining educational choices, and Catholic school communities preparing for the future.