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April 7, 2006

Posted by Lisa Bartusek, Invited Contributor, at 6:03 PM | Special Programs & Events | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Several years ago, I compiled a list of school foundations in our state and become the resident "expert" on school foundations because nothing else existed. Talk about a dearth of support! When making a list qualifies you as an expert, you know something is wrong.

That's why it was heartening to see school foundation leaders from across the country get relevant information, practical tips and a network of support at the first-ever National School Foundation Association (NSFA) Conference, April 6-7 in conjunction with this NSBA conference.

Almost 200 people attended and got tips on fundraising, grant writing, planned giving, start-up issues and other topics. It was clear in the sessions that the hunger for support of school foundations is still there, likely even stronger now because of the pressures of inadequate state and federal funds for the challenges public schools face today. As one participant said, "We feel pretty alone out here." It's a void NSFA is working to fill, both through this conference and other supports, including a top-notch Web site at www.schoolfoundations.org.

Kudos to NSBA and several state school board associations across the country for providing start-up support to this fledgling organization. (State associations include Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Connecticut and Tennessee.)

And to people working to create strong school foundations, remember: You are not alone.

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