FIRE Foundation receives grant to increase inclusivity efforts

The FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa has been awarded $33,000 from the Raskob Foundation to extend the foundation's efforts for inclusion in Catholic schools.
 
Titled Project BUILD, Raskob’s grant will be invested in strengthening outreach and advocacy efforts and increasing professional development opportunities for Catholic educators within the 24 counties of the Diocese of Sioux City. 
 
Advocacy and outreach activities will facilitate the development and deployment of a multimedia inclusive Catholic education marketing campaign, the recruitment and establishment of local parish community-based Friends of FIRE groups (parents and school educators and leaders) to facilitate ongoing dialogue and relationships that make Catholic schools more open and inclusive to all students.

 Previous inclusion in-service for Sioux City Bishop Heelan SchoolsThe professional development activities will include a robust partnership with Buena Vista University to support greater inclusion in the diocesan Catholic schools with training and coaching in universal design for learning. Additionally, funds will support educators in attending professional conferences, such as the 2025 Inclusion in Action Conference, and visiting and partnering with other inclusive schools in FIRE’s nationwide affiliate network. 
 
The president of FIRE’s Board of Directors, Dr. Ryan Allen noted Project BUILD will help to enhance awareness and to promote a culture of accessibility and inclusion. 
 
“To grow from serving three schools to (15 diocesan schools) is a tall order," Allen said, noting with this grant, the foundation will be able to meet students' needs for many years in the future.

The Raskob Foundation is an independent, private, non-profit, family foundation, established in 1945 focused upon serving to the Catholic Church and associated organizations.

Learn more about the upcoming FIRE Foundation fundraiser here.