Q: What is the Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation?
A: The Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to promote and support our students by securing alternative and non-traditional funding sources to meet the educational needs of our students. While our local and state governments give a great deal of support to our educational efforts, student education can be enhanced greatly by the additional support of the Educational Foundation. The Foundation seeks to provide such things as student scholarships, classroom grants for teachers, and the increased availability of technology to students and teachers throughout the school division.

Q: How long has the foundation been in existence?
A: The Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation was formed in 2005 by a small group of citizens who saw a need to try to provide alternative funding methods for our school division. Since its inception, donations to the foundation have been able to assist with endeavors such as student scholarships, the purchasing of additional library books in schools, and increased technology in the schools.

Q: Why a foundation?
A: Although foundations are not a new thing, educational foundations are a relatively new trend for school divisions. Computers, smart boards, and wireless technology are now the norm for classrooms. While these items provide wonderful opportunities for our children, they do have costs associated with them that can create budget implications for any school division. Foundations across the country are working to raise private sector support to fund innovative, creative education programs to benefit students, teachers and staff of their respective school divisions. Foundations benefit from direct contributions of money, goods, and services, from fund raising efforts, partnerships and mentorships.

Q: How is the CPSEF funded?
A: Community commitment to public education makes the Foundation possible. Citizens, parents, business people, employees and the military all contribute to the Foundation through a myriad of ways. The Foundation benefits from direct contributions of money, goods, and services; from fund raising efforts and through partnerships and mentorships.

Q: Is my contribution tax deductible? 

A: Yes, The Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.

Q: May I designate my gift for a specific purpose? 

A: Yes. Any donation to the Foundation may be given specific guidelines in regards to its use; however gifts that are made without designation will be used by the Foundation to the projects with the greatest determined need by the Foundation Board of Directors.

Q: Can anyone else mandate how the money is used?
A: The Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and all funded projects for the Foundation are determined by the Foundation Board of Directors.

Q: How does the Foundation make a difference?
A: The economic vitality and quality of life in a community are directly linked to the quality of the educational system. Partnerships promote prosperity. Through donations and partnerships that benefit the students of Chesapeake we are able to assist the students that are tomorrow’s leaders. Through support to the Educational Foundation additional extras, both inside and outside of the classroom, are available for the students of Chesapeake.

For more information please contact Anna Helmer, Foundation Administrator at 757-842-4081 or via e-mail to anna.helmer@cpschools.com. Or submit your questions and comments through the contact form.

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