Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Township Schools Foundation

What is a school foundation?
Public education funding has not kept up with the cost of providing the latest technology, teaching materials and supplementary enrichment experiences that parents have come to expect for their children. Foundations raise money through tax-deductible donations and events, and provide grants to teachers and other educators for classroom projects, as well as ongoing programs that help students achieve. Since 1985, the Washington Township Schools has awarded nearly $3.6 million to benefit every student and teacher in the district.

What kinds of projects does the Washington Township Schools Foundation fund?
Grants are made in three areas:

• Professional development: The foundation has played a leadership role in funding teacher training to bring the world class International Baccalaureate curriculum to all students, K-12. In addition, the foundation funds opportunities for teachers and classroom assistants to broaden and deepen their abilities to teach all children.
• Classroom projects: These initiatives are proposed and led by classroom teachers or parent volunteers. Examples include artists-in-residence, extra-curricular activities and teaching materials not funded by school budgets.
• Ongoing programs: Certain school-wide or district-wide programs such as Avid and PantherQuest may qualify for recurring support from the foundation to ensure consistency and reliable funding.

Click for a full list of current grants:   Grants Fall ’10/Spring ’11

How does the WTSF raise its money?
Every year, the WTSF grants an average of $250,000 in grants and designated gifts. Gifts to the Annual Grants Fund make up the majority of that amount. Many parents make annual gifts to the WTSF. In addition, approximately two-thirds of the district’s faculty pledge a percentage of each paycheck to support the foundation. Friends of the district can also contribute through the Buy-a-Brick and Thank-a-Teacher funds. Memorial and Honor gifts are also a wonderful way to celebrate extraordinary family members, educators and staff members. In addition, some donors have opted to make substantial designated gifts to Washington Township through the foundation.

Each year, the WTSF also sponsors two large fundraising events: the Great North Run & Walk, a 1K, 5K and 10K family-friendly event in March, which includes a Fitness Fair supported by many local businesses; and the Fall BASH. For more information on these events, click on the drop downs under the EVENTS tab above.

How do I apply for a grant?
The quickest way to learn the process is to attend a grants workshop, held once each semester. Applications are available on the GRANTS page of this website. Applicants will be asked to explain how students will benefit from the project, when it will take place, who will participate, and to provide a detailed budget.

What is Donors Choose?
DonorsChoose.org is a national, on-line, non-profit organization that enables individuals to support classroom projects in their area of interest. Teachers wanting support for smaller projects (total cost: $1,000 or less) post a description of their idea on the DonorsChoose.org website, and request funding. People who want to support creative educational projects from all over the United States, can donate to fund all or a portion of a project. WTSF supports DonorsChoose.org through an annual $10,000 challenge grant for teachers in Washington Township with the promise to fund 50% of grants at $1000 or less.