FIRE Foundation reaches fundraising goal, prepares for next steps

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

The FIRE Foundation of Northern Kentucky, a nonprofit dedicated to funding and supporting inclusive education in Catholic schools, announced that their fundraising goal for 2025 has been met.

The foundation, which currently is supporting St. Therese, Southgate, is now able to offer grants to three to four additional schools in the Diocese of Covington — allowing the chosen schools to provide training, resources and other needs for students with disabilities.

Following their major event, Ignite the Mission, Oct. 2, 2025, the FIRE Foundation has been working to follow up with supporters, growing their website and board and establishing their finance committee, according to Missy Hail, board president.

In addition to being able to offer their services and funding to more schools, the foundation will also be helping to fund a part-time position in the diocesan Curia — the Coordinator for Inclusive Education.

“We’re so excited because we feel like that position can help when all issues arise,” said Mrs. Hail. Although FIRE partners with only a few schools right now, Mrs. Hail believes the new coordinator will help ignite a future where every school in the diocese can access the support.

As for the grants going to the schools, the FIRE Foundation will be accepting and reviewing grant applications until mid-February. From there, funding and support will be provided for the 2026–2027 school year, with a target date of announcing partner schools on April 1.

To learn more about the FIRE Foundation, and their mission, visit https://www.firefoundationnky.org.