Purpose The Foundation formed in 1997 (1) promotes continued awareness among the parents, business, the community and the general public of this progressive, growing community, that superior public education must be a priority for the Town of Collierville and (2) actively raises funds to facilitate a targeted set of education enhancement activities each year among the high school, two middle schools and five elementary public schools within Collierville.
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization CEF is a totally volunteer organization with only one part-time paid employee. The Foundation works closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the larger Town of Collierville and corporate donors to both raise both funds and educational awareness. Several annual events have been established to recognize and challenge our teachers: the Bowl-a-thon each spring, the Teacher educational grants. In 2008, CEF granted $74,000 in mini-grants and 104 different competitively-selected educational grants to our eight public schools. There are clearly more worthy projects proposed than funds available; last year there were over $119,000 in worthy efforts proposed.
CEF has three basic recurring needs:
The CEF is continously working to find additional sources of educational grant funding. Our overhead expenses are somewhat fixed, so once we have those covered, over 90% of additional funds are meted out to the teacher grants.
High profile sponsors can assist us in raising awareness ass well as funding.
Volunteers are always welcome for the teacher recognition and stated fundraising activities.
