Frequently Asked Questions

A: Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation partners with businesses and the community to fund increased academic opportunities to help students to be successful.

Q: I pay thousands in property taxes.  Why should I give more to the schools?

A: Property taxes are a relatively fixed source of revenue for the district, but not it’s only source.  At best, they provide sufficient funds to allow the district to meet its minimum obligations to the public.  The Foundation is one of several alternative sources of funding and resources that help the district provide a superior and more well rounded educational experience to students.

Q: I already give to the Parent-Teacher Organization at my child’s school.  Why should I give to the Foundation?

A: The missions of the parent support groups and the Foundation are different.  Parent support groups provide networking opportunities for parents and teachers, and support school-specific, tactical projects.  The Foundation supports targeted funding and long-term initiatives that help all students in the district succeed, including providing funds to help struggling readers, and funding for projects, equipment and resources for the classroom that are not funded through the district.

Q: How do I know how the money will be spent?

A: You may designate your donation to Early Reading Readiness, Small Grants to Schools, After School programs, or endowment or general operating funds.  Requests for funding from the Foundation are evaluated by a grant allocation committee.  Requests for funding must be submitted by a teacher or administrator or parent support group.  The Foundation encourages parents and other stakeholders to become involved in researching, developing and proposing educational initiatives.

Q: What is the relationship between the Foundation and the School District?

A: The Foundation’s governing body is comprised of volunteer board members including business leaders, retired educators, parents, and the community at large.  All share a common commitment to excellence in education.  While the Foundation works in partnership with School District elected representatives, school administrators, teachers and others, it is a wholly independent organization that appoints its own board members, determines rules and procedures, and chooses which programs to support.

Q: Who administers the Foundation funds?

A: The Foundation Board of Directors.

Q: What is the Foundation’s financial goal?

A: Financial goals are determined annually and supported by four main fundraising events, the Fall Golf Tournament, Holiday Open House, Phone-a-Thon, Spring Festival, and the Annual Campaign.  The financial goals are periodically reviewed and adjusted as necessary.

Q: Are contributions tax-deductible?

A: Yes.  The Foundation is a public, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization.

A: Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation Directors are members of the community and local businesses.  Persons interested in becoming board members are invited to complete an application.  The Board then reviews the application, interviews the applicant, and votes on the approval.  Elected board members serve a three-year term.