Presented by

NJ Education Foundation Partnership (NJEFP)

NJSBA Workshop 2011 October 25, 2011

Presenters:Marcia Smith Fleres, MBA

Exec. Director, NJ Education Foundation Partnership

Robert Sopko, EdDAdjunct Professor, Rider UniversityFormer Superintendent of SchoolsBranchburg, Hopewell Valley, & Hunterdon County

Patricia BergerFounding PresidentThe Foundation for Manalapan Englishtown Regional Schools

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

NJ Education Foundation Partnership

Over 75 local education foundations Enhances public education in New Jersey by

empowering local education foundations. Assists local communities and schools to develop

and grow a local education foundation. Provides training and education on best practices,

fund raising, board development, marketing, and more.

Promotes collaboration among education foundations, schools, and community-based organizations.

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

NJEFP (continued)Coordinates with other

NJ education organizations to support public education in New Jersey

Increases public awareness of the vital role of local education foundations in NJ

Advocate for quality public education in NJ

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

What is an Education Foundation?

Private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization under the IRS rules.

Chartered as “nonprofit corporation” in NJDistinct from Board of Education and

administrationWorks in partnership with school districtAugments, supplements, or complements

programs currently being provided by the district

In NJ, they are usually volunteer driven.

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Purpose of an Education FoundationSupport and enhance education for all studentsSolicit, manage, and distribute funds to

programs not otherwise funded by school district

Identify and secure financial resources Develop partnerships with corporations,

businesses, nonprofits, and the community Support mission of the local school districtEngage the community Create volunteer opportunities

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Why an Education Foundation? Managing in Difficult Times Schools are currently facing many challenges

Decreased tax revenues & state fundingTaxpayers demanding lower taxesPressure to do more with lessSchool budgets not passingHigher operating costs Increased mandates, regulations and less

flexibilityBudget capsElimination of non-essential programs

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Value of a Local Education Foundation

Provides financial support for academic and enrichment programs

Enhances educational opportunities for students

Builds communication and promotes school district

Raises awareness of school needs

Increases parent and community involvement

Offers the community the opportunity to be a part of the solution…support education.

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Do Education Foundations compete with PTA, PTO, or Booster Clubs?Education Foundations are not intended to replace

or supplant parent-teacher or booster clubs.Education Foundations may collaborate with

groups to fund teacher grants or special projectsEducation Foundations tend to focus on academics

and not athletics.Education Foundations serve the whole district,

not just an individual school, grade level or club

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Building an Education FoundationIdentify key people and partners (Be inclusive)Hold a community meeting Create a diverse steering or feasibility committee Determine name, mission, bylaws, and 3-yr budgetEstablish Board of Directors/Trustees Legal steps

IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN)Incorporate as nonprofit in State of NJIRS 1023 application for 501(c)(3) exemptionRegister with NJ Division of Consumer Affairs

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Best Practices of Effective Education FoundationsWorking board of trustees and governance

practicesSuperintendent & BOE member ex-officio Financial management & adequate resourcesAlignment with district goals and prioritiesPrograms that resonate in your communityStrategic planning: Mission, Vision, Case Statement, G&O

Supportive organization structureExecutive director – when resources allowCollaboration and partnerships

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

What Do Foundations Fund?Classroom, grade or school-wide grants for

innovative programsDistrict focused programs Academic scholarships (note of caution)Special programsSpecial equipmentProfessional development Alumni websites (i.e. www.AlumniChannel.com)

**Funding should be aligned with priorities of the district

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

What is the best source of revenue? Board of TrusteesCorporate

Grants/DonationsFoundationsFundraising EventsFundraising SalesSmall BusinessIndividual DonationsBegging

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

2010 charitable giving Total = $290.89 billion

Source: Giving USA Foundation: Giving 2010

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

How do Foundations Raise Funds? Individual Donations

Direct Ask/Power of 100 …..Teacher RecognitionAlumni

“Signature Events” (golf outings, auctions, galas)

Corporate Grants and Partnerships

Foundation GrantsMajor Donor “Asks”

All donations to the foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law!

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

How are Funds Allocated?Foundation’s funding is

aligned with district priorities.

The foundation’s Board of Trustees decide which projects/programs to fund.

Grant guidelines, policy & procedures are important.

Focus on district, school, and/or grade.

Teacher/staff grants are funded on a competitive basis.

Donors may direct their contributions to specific areas (restricted donations).

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

Best Practices of Effective Education FoundationsWorking board of trustees and governance

practicesFinancial management & adequate resourcesAlignment with district goals and prioritiesPrograms that resonate in your communityStrategic planning: Mission, Vision, Case Statement,

G&O

Supportive organization structureCollaboration and partnerships

Marcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.

How to Contact Us

NJ Education Foundation Partnership Inc.

609-310-1795info@njefp.org www.NJEFP.org

www.facebook.com/njefp

The State Affiliate ofNational School Foundation Association

www.schoolfoundations.orgMarcia Smith Fleres, NJEFP, Inc.