In anticipation of its tenth anniversary in 2025, the Crimsonbridge Foundation is launching a new website focused on Bridges for Schools, a capacity-building program for Catholic schools that began in the Archdiocese of Washington and is now expanding to other dioceses across the country. Since 2018, Bridges for Schools has provided resources, technical assistance, and funding to schools and dioceses seeking to implement strategies that promote school vitality, growth, and inclusion.
For Crimsonbridge Founder and Executive Chair Gabriela Smith, this work is deeply personal: “First as a student and then as a parent and philanthropist, I witnessed the impact of Catholic education on students and families. These experiences inspire my philanthropy, which includes the development of programs that build bridges between Hispanic families and Catholic schools and parishes. We believe that as communities of inclusion and belonging, Catholic education will remain a revitalizing force for the Church and beacons of hope for our country.”
The new website features resources and best practices for schools and dioceses, including examples of Spanish-language welcome videos, bilingual websites, parent engagement strategies, and representative imagery implemented by schools using Bridges for Schools grants. Free resource guides are available for download to support schools in enhancing bilingual communications, increasing parent engagement, and investing in professional development.
The lasting impact of this work to build inclusive and welcoming school communities is captured in testimonials from principals, parents, and Church leaders. In a video created for Hispanic Heritage Month, Cardinal Wilton Gregory describes the value of inclusive communications in the Archdiocese of Washington: “Our ability to be unified by serving our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters in our parishes and schools in their native language has made a significant impact thanks to our collaboration with the Crimsonbridge Foundation.”
Bridges for Schools has partnered with more than 50 schools across four (arch)dioceses: the Archdiocese of Washington, the Diocese of Arlington, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the Diocese of Camden. Several schools have received an Award of Distinction for their commitment to building capacity to welcome and engage Latino families.
We invite funders, donors, and educators interested in exploring models to bring this work to their diocese to connect with us to learn more.
