APPLETON EDUCATION FOUNDATION, inc.
ENHANCING EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SINCE 1997
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Frequently Asked Questions - General
1. Who supports the Appleton Education Foundation and how?
2. What is AEF's relationship with the Appleton Area School District?
3. Who has benefited from AEF grants?
4. Who can apply for a Foundation grant?
5. Who decides which projects to fund?
6. What accountability is there for Foundation funds?
7. How are the Foundation's directors chosen?
9. What is AEF's relationship with the local Community Foundation?
1. Who supports the Appleton Education Foundation and how?
Hundreds of community members, including parents, grandparents, businesses, alumni and educators give of their financial resources to support the Foundation through annual gifts, tribute gifts, one-time contributions, payroll deduction and estate plans.
2. What is AEF’s relationship with the Appleton Area School District?
While we coordinate our efforts with the school district, we are an independent charitable organization. Only 25% of the voting members of the AEF board can be Appleton Area School District employees or members of its board of education.
3. Who has benefited from AEF grants?
More than 100 educators have received grants from the AEF and at least one grant has been awarded to every school in the district (not including charter schools). These grants have involved thousands of students, parents and community members.
4. Who can apply for a Foundation grant?
Any educator employed by the Appleton Area School District or any community member in partnership with an educator is eligible to apply for a grant.
5. Who decides which projects to fund?
The AEF board votes on recommendations made by its grants committee. Area residents who promote education and represent varied constituencies make up this board.
6. What accountability is there for Foundation funds?
The Foundation is recognized under state and federal law as a 501 (c) 3 charitable, tax-exempt organization. The Board of Directors carefully oversees donations and grants to be the best possible stewards of Foundation resources. The Foundation’s assets are audited as part of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region’s assets by Schenck Business Solutions, Appleton. These financial records are open to public review.
7. How are the Foundation’s directors chosen?
The initial Board was selected by an ad hoc steering committee from a long list of community leaders interested in public education. The Board members represent varied constituencies throughout the Appleton community. Three members serve as ex-officio members of the Board: the president of the Appleton Area School District Board of Education, the Appleton Area School District Superintendent of Schools and the president of the Appleton Education Association.
8. Does the Foundation compete with the PTAs, booster clubs and other groups for
community financial support?
No. Such groups have valid but limited purposes within the public schools and solicit – from specific patrons and parents – support for limited and special projects. The Foundation seeks support from those interested in the broader application of public education, in order to benefit students across the Appleton Area School District.
9. What is AEF’s relationship with the local Community Foundation?
The AEF is a supporting organization within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. This affiliation allows the AEF to benefit from professional investment management and significant tax and IRS reporting advantages due to the Community Foundation’s status as a public charity. At the same time, AEF retains its unique identity, distinct purpose and has its own Board of Directors to award grants and build assets.
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