Helping Students
CEFO’s Emergency Response Fund
CEFO provides immediate assistance to children and their families who are experiencing a financial crisis. Each year, we set aside over $200,000 to help families meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and transportation. When a school Principal recognizes a child in need, they reach out to CEFO to get support to the family within 24 hours. This critical support helps families who are facing unspeakable health challenges while trying to make ends meet.
See how your donation helps
Your donation helps
CEFO helped…
…a student whose only sibling, a brother, is dying of cancer. His mother is the sole support for her family through a disability pension she receives as a victim of a crippling degenerative disease.
You make a difference
CEFO helped…
…two students who, along with their mother and six siblings, who are facing the imminent death of their father. They are unable to pay for the week’s groceries and the children have nothing to eat.
Your generosity matters
CEFO helped…
…two young children, ages 5 & 9, and their family who had lost everything they owned in a townhouse fire. The children can’t afford winter clothing or boots, and it’s one of the coldest winters on record.
Project Grants for OCSB schools
Over the past decade, CEFO has provided over two million dollars to OCSB schools to fund different types of innovative programs and projects. CEFO is proud to support these programs which reflect the unique dimensions of a truly Catholic education. Applications are submitted each year by staff, students, and parents, requesting grants for programs that enrich the lives of OCSB students and make our city a better place to live.
Numeracy and Literacy Coaching and Tutoring
Mental Health and Wellness
Physical Education and Healthy Living
The World Around Us

CEFO’s Summer camp funds
Thanks to your thoughtful donations, we will send over 160 children to summer camp each year. A summer camp experience can change a child’s outlook on life.
CEFO budgets approximately $40,000 each year to send children to summer camp. These children would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the fun and relaxation that they need.