Educational foundations boosting school revenues

. . . continued from page one

The money remains in the local community and is used for the benefit of local students. Foundation funds can be dedicated for a number of purposes - student scholarships, teacher stipends, technology innovations and/or distance learning projects for example.

In Midland, the school's educational foundation recently hired a professional consulting firm to study its existing structure. The purpose of the study was to make recommendations designed to increase the foundation's effectiveness. This is not an unusual practice. In one Central Texas school district, funds raised by an educational foundation tripled after professional advice was sought. A Gulf Coast school district recently increased its funding from $25,000 to $250,000 after a professional study.

Donors to education foundations are not just individuals. Many corporate representatives make donations as well. There are numerous valid reasons for corporate contributions, not the least of which is that employers are dependent on school systems that produce a skilled workforce for the future.

The Dallas Education Foundation has teamed with Texas Instruments to provide STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Teaching Awards. Seven recipients will be awarded $10,000 each. Of that award, $5,000 goes directly to the teacher and the rest is to be used as the instructor directs for either professional development or instructional technology.

In San Marcos, contributions can be made to an endowment fund, or for scholarships or teacher mini-grants. In Austin, an educational foundation began a project seven years ago to provide support to an elementary school. Officials say that as the funding grows, more low-income children will benefit. In Highland Park, an endowment is being established to provide long-term, permanent support to educate students. A million dollars has been pledged by the district to support teacher salaries.

One expert says education foundations are no different than Parent-Teacher Associations or booster clubs that raise money. While some donors create endowments or accept real estate or stock donations, others may seek grant funds or accept memorial funds. However, in the end, the money goes to schools, teachers and students.

Educational foundations are breaking new ground to ensure that at least part of the state's solution to the ever-growing school funding crisis is being addressed by local communities.