Public School Education Foundations Maywood
What is an Education Foundation • An Education Foundation is a way for a public school to raise private funds to support classroom initiatives, physical plant enhancements and scholarship programs. • An Education Foundation operates independent of but in partnership with the Board of Education, the District Administration, the schools and PTOs.
Three Constituent Groups for Fundraising Community Alumni Parents • Current • Past Parents • Graduates parents of • Residents • Former students in students • Local the district Businesses • Former teachers and administrators
The Public School Fundraising Dynamic: Community • The Community may have an interest in supporting the schools based on traditions, experiences of their children or real/perceived value to the community. • Local businesses should be considered, if not already tapped by PTO. • Area corporations should be considered for multi-year grants for specific programs and initiatives.
The Public School Fundraising Dynamic: Parents • Elementary school parents are highly engaged with their child’s classroom, teachers and school. • Beginning in Middle School the degree of engagement reduces as students become more independent and the parents are less engaged in the classroom. • By High School parents are highly involved with clubs, athletics and the arts.
The Public School Fundraising Dynamic: Alumni • Alumni can provide a lucrative long-term fundraising opportunity, but should be catered to with a separate program. – Alumni Association – Reunions – Special Campaigns
Education Foundation Examples Ridgewood • Sponsors free SAT Prep classes for RHS Juniors, College Speakers Series, Super Science Saturday • 25 years of small – mid-sized classroom grants ($450 - $4500) • Major grant to new RHS Learning Commons
Fundraising • Annual Fund letter campaign to all Maywood residents, alumni • Spring Newsletter • Website • Annual signature event, being planned
Steps to Start 1. Clearly identify the role of the Foundation in the district relative to other entities. 2. Develop a mission statement that is forward looking – not a short-term idea, a long term vision for the district. 3. Secure 501(c) (3) status. 4. Engage an active board of leaders, parents, alumni, residents.
Resources • 1. Education Foundation Associations – NJEFP - New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership web site: http://njefp.org/site/ – Pennsylvania Education Foundations -- website: http://www.schoolfoundations.org – Websites: Chatham, Summit, Bronxville (alumni focus)
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