Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QUESTION: What is a local education foundation?
ANSWER: Local education foundations are non-profit organizations whose boards represent local community and education leaders and who are financially accountable to their communities. Each is unique in its operation, its programs, and the resources it provides to the community, but all share a common commitment to improving education at the local level. Education foundations:
- COLLABORATE with other non-profit groups (local historical society, PTA, public library, senior center, arts council, garden club, local businesses....) to address community issues relating to education.
- LINK people and organizations in their communities with public schools, developing awareness and resource support.
- INCREASE teacher morale by making direct financial grants to teachers, and by recognizing their importance in the community.
- BROADEN support for public education and local schools with greater community awareness.
QUESTION: Are there other education foundations in Connecticut?
ANSWER: Yes. Over 80, including Redding, Weston, Greenwich, Darien, Wilton, Avon, Norwalk, Bridgeport and Ridgefield......and nearly 2,000 across the country.
QUESTION: How did local education foundations start?
ANSWER: The concept of education foundations was born in 1978 in the wake of California's school-budget-tightening Proposition 13. As local school revenues plummeted, broad and deep cuts were made in educational programming. In a grassroots response, parents, teachers and community leaders pioneered a powerful mechanism through which they could support local schools and, furthermore, impact local education in a positive and enduring way.
QUESTION: Why do Easton schools, which are already top notch, need the additional financial and human resources of an independent group like ELF?
ANSWER: Easton schools, like many others, must balance education goals with the realities of reduced state funding, local pressure to keep taxes low, and federal legislation like No Child Left Behind. ELF works independently but in partnership with local schools to help meet needs unique to our district and keep our schools at the forefront of education.
Please be clear that education foundations are NOT a substitute funding source for items that are the clear mandate of school budgets. They do NOT assume financial responsibility for items, salaries, and programming that would typically be funded via the Board of Education.
With that said, ELF seeks to make an IMMEDIATE IMPACT on education in the classrooms by addressing several key areas not currently met through the local budget including:
- the growing need for technology in our schools
- professional development to keep our teachers up-to-date and inspired
- teacher/classroom grants to support innovative curriculum, pilot new programs, and inspire students and teachers alike
QUESTION: Does ELF support school board candidates?
ANSWER: No. As a non-political nonprofit group we cannot support candidates or act as a PAC; we cannot use resources to influence school board issues in any way.
QUESTION: What is the difference between ELF and the PTA?
ANSWER: Easton school children benefit greatly by the unique strengths of our PTA and ELF. While both organizations benefit our schools and even collaborate on some projects, they have a different focus. The PTA is part of a national membership organization which encourages parent involvement on a broad range of important parent/child issues affecting the overall education, health, and well-being of school children. Furthermore, the Easton PTA provides invaluable parent/school tools such as our directory and calendar. The PTA is non-partisan but does lobby on behalf of school needs at a national and local level.
As a local education foundation, ELF seeks to have a district wide impact with grants and projects aligned with curriculum goals. It was founded in 2004 as a response to budget tightening on local and state levels. ELF recognized a need for alternative funding for teacher grants, technology, and professional development that would have an immediate educational benefit for teachers and students. While there is no national affiliation or membership, ELF is a member of a professional organization called the Connecticut Consortium of Education Foundations, which provides non-financial resources to help Connecticut-based education foundations be the best they can be. Local education foundations like ELF address specific needs targeted by administrators, teachers, and community members. We are independent but work in partnership with the school district and community to support excellence in Easton schools. ELF seeks to provide unique educational opportunities for teachers to engage in new, creative instructional practices.
QUESTION: How can I help ELF?
ANSWER: ELF needs volunteers at all levels of involvement ranging from people helping out occasionally at events, to board members who are willing to attend monthly meetings and take on a variety of responsibilities for a full year, as well as various advisors. As a growing organization, ELF needs people with a variety of skill sets but most of all, people who are passionate about education and a desire to make a difference in our community. Of course, donations are crucial. Please contribute at any level and see the results in a vibrant, energized and challenged school community.
QUESTION: What does the Easton Learning Foundation board of directors do?
ANSWER: The ELF board meets monthly for two hours and its activities include: setting fundraising targets, assessing how well the Foundation is doing, improving interaction with the community, and reviewing school grant requests. The grant approval process is a critical function of the ELF board. The board reviews each grant to ensure that each project will improve the learning experience in the classroom and verifies that the cost of the grant is not covered by the school budget. We take our mission very seriously and strive for the maximum impact from donations.
QUESTION: How does ELF reach out to the public?
ANSWER: ELF donations are at work every day in our schools and we want to keep donors informed. In 2008 we launched our website, produced our first informational video and created our first e-newsletter. In 2009 we continue to improve communication with Easton families and donors via the Internet and new creative documents.
QUESTION: What types of grants does ELF fund?
ANSWER: We have many grant requests for classroom projects, teacher development, and innovative technology. In 2009, ELF is funding grants at all Easton schools with a special focus on math, science, and green initiatives.
QUESTION: How does ELF raise money?
ANSWER: ELF holds various events and fundraisers during the year, and solicits donations from the community and local corporations.
QUESTION: How can I get involved?
ANSWER: There are many ways you can volunteer. Call or email a board member. Sit in on an ELF board meeting. Volunteer for an event. Join us for coffee. We’d love to hear from you and figure out what role and level of commitment makes the most sense for you.
