Compassion Fund for Back-to-School & Year-Round Student Support

Back-to-school season is just the start. CPS students need more than great academics to succeed—they need the right tools and support, from fresh school supplies in August to critical resources throughout the year. Many families count on their school communities for these essentials, and that need remains strong all year long.

The Compassion Fund provides flexible, immediate resources to schools so they can meet urgent needs as they arise. Whether that’s ensuring students have the school supplies they need to learn, helping families through a sudden hardship, or creating welcoming environments where every student can thrive.

We’ve heard from school leaders how vital the Compassion Fund’s flexible relief has been during times of need, and how there’s a critical, ongoing need for their school communities.  Your generosity, and that of many others, allows us to continue meeting these urgent needs as they arise for CPS families and school communities.

The Children First Fund continues to direct funding to schools, students and families, equitably distributing resources toward urgent needs, including:

• School resources including school supplies, classroom updates, culturally relevant books and calm corners, social emotional learning supplies, transit cards, and more.
• Direct assistance for families experiencing extreme hardship, including job loss, death of a caregiver, displacement due to fires, and other emergencies.
• Support for newcomer students – such as newly-arrived migrant students – and others in temporary living situations
• Aid for graduating seniors to help with post-secondary costs like entrance exams, deposits, textbooks, and travel. Read about recent recipients of postsecondary support on CFF’s blog.
• Hygiene Care Closets stocked with personal care items to support student health and wellness.

• Resources for school communities who have been impacted by neighborhood or household violence

Thanks to your generosity, the Compassion Fund has reached hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students and families, helping to ensure that every student is prepared, supported, and ready to succeed.