FAQs

Ed foundations are advocates for public education and school improvement. They use their resources and fund-raising abilities to be active partners with the school district. They value their independence and freedom from education politics. Foundations can be a valuable tool in a school district's communication efforts. A foundation can serve as an advocate in the community and a partner with our schools. Education foundations are usually run by community volunteers and typically work closely with school district administrators to fund worthy projects. An education foundation can provide funds for enrichment activities, special equipment or facilities projects that would otherwise not fit into a district’s budget.

PTOs in most communities focus on an individual school, while the Education Foundation has a community-wide focus. Ed foundations usually back large-scale projects that support district goals. Many ed foundations operate with the purpose of building an endowment, a perpetual interest-bearing account.

An ed foundation might hold a major annual event but they don't sell wrapping paper, sponsor a fun run, run a bake sale, or do other types of fundraising that PTOs do.

Foundations can build bridges between schools and the public. Our communities are filled with people and organizations who don't have direct connections in our schools and yet whose support is indispensable if our schools are to be successful. About two-thirds of the membership should be persons who do not have children presently enrolled in school. Consequently, board members may come to their position without in-depth knowledge of the school system. Groups that can add value to an ed foundation are public officials, retired school employees, high school students, parents of preschoolers, single persons, real estate agents, small business owners, regional community leaders, economic development groups, civic organizations, philanthropists.

• Speakers bureaus that bring people of all walks of life into our schools to share their experiences with students.

• Develop relationships with local businesses

  • arrange field trips for students and teachers to places they might otherwise not have access to.

  • create business roundtable groups to help advise the superintendent.

• Help welcome new families to the community.

• Brick paver campaign outside each school.

• Convene town meetings and discussion groups to help plan for school district growth.

• Help in recruitment, retention and recognition of quality staff members.

  • sponsoring awards ceremonies for outstanding and retiring teachers

  • providing support for professional development programs.