The Madonna Foundation, established in 2001 by the Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, is a charitable entity that increases access for young urban women to attend Catholic high schools in the Chicago area.  The Foundation annually awards tuition grants totaling approximately $200,000 to about 90 girls who demonstrate financial need and the potential for academic achievement.  Financial support averages $2,500 per year. In many cases, without the Foundation’s financial aid, these young women would be forced to attend public schools.

In addition to financial aid, the Foundation is dedicated to support the academic, psychological, spiritual and social needs of young women.  These needs are addressed through a series of unique and innovative programs and through mentoring opportunities. Our program provides young urban women the opportunity to build a meaningful, productive and successful life for themselves and produces leaders that lead the way for those who come after them.

The Franciscan Sisters of Chicago formed The Madonna Foundation to fill the vacuum left by the closure of Madonna High School in 2001 and to continue to assist girls living in the neighborhoods formerly served by the high school.  Thus, only girls living in certain designated zip codes are eligible to be candidates.  The zip codes are: 60618, 60622, 60634, 60639, 60641, 60647 and 60651. 

The girls selected to receive the scholarship and to participate in the program are proudly referred to as “Madonna Scholars.”