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| What is the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence? |
| The Ashburnham Westminster Education Foundation is an independent, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, committed to fostering educational excellence in the Ashburnham and Westminster public schools. The Foundation provides private financial support for exemplary educational projects and programs that benefit the students and educators in Ashburnham and Westminster schools. |
| Why was the Foundation formed? |
| Very simply, to make a difference. The Foundation was created by a group of concerned citizens to assure that, despite budgetary shrinkage, the pursuit of educational excellence would continue through innovative projects and programming. |
| Who runs the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence? |
| The Foundation is directed by a board of volunteers, primarily from Ashburnham and Westminster, who are committed to the pursuit of educational excellence throughout the school district. The board consists of individuals who bring with them a wide variety of skills and professional expertise – parents, business people, accountants, dedicated citizens and professional educators. |
| What is the relationship between the Foundation and the Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District? |
| While the Foundation is an independent entity, the board works closely with the superintendent and the school committee to ensure that Ashburnham Westminster Education Foundation mission is furthered while also reflecting the school district's goals and classroom implementation. |
| How does the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence raise funds? |
| Funds are raised through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, occasional fund raising events, and grants received. |
| How are funds distributed? |
| Funds are distributed primarily through grant applications received from district teachers, the WISH LIST program, and specific designations from donors. |
| What types of projects does the Foundation fund? |
| All projects and proposals that fall within the Foundation’s mission can be considered. They may range from small initiatives requested by a single teacher in one classroom to major programs touching hundreds of students throughout the district. While the subjects covered by grants will vary from year to year, the mission remains the same: to enhance academic excellence throughout the Ashburnham Westminster School District. |
| Can I direct my gift to a specific program? |
| Yes, provided the program falls within the educational guidelines of the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District and the bylaws of the Ashburnham Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence. |
| Why an endowment fund? |
| A percentage (determined by the Board of Directors) of undesignated contributions will be placed in an endowment fund to assure the long term viability of the Foundation, fund larger program requests, and generate income to sustain expense needs that will be minimal. |
| How do I know that my donation will be used wisely? |
| The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of concerned and dedicated citizens from Ashburnham and Westminster. All distributions will require approval from the Grants Distribution Committee and ratification by the Board of Directors. |
| How can I contribute to the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence? |
| Contributions can be made in several ways. If you are looking to make a financial contribution to the Foundation, please click here to visit our Donations page, where you can contribute by check, via online banking, by credit card, or by estate planning. If you are looking to contribute through volunteer effort, we invite you to visit our Volunteers page to learn more about how and where the Foundation needs its volunteer effort. |
| How does the Foundation make a difference? |
| Foundation grants, large or small, foster innovative programming that better prepares students for the future by strengthening academics, enhancing technology, providing updated material support, and bolstering skilled instructional techniques. |
| How can I be part of the Ashburnham-Westminster Foundation for Academic Excellence? |
| Become a member. Membership shows your commitment to educational excellence. 100% of membership revenue is used for programming support. Become a volunteer. The Ashburnham Westminster Education Foundation is run entirely with volunteer energy. Volunteering provides an opportunity to serve on the various committees, help with fundraising and event planning, and contribute to the ongoing pursuit of educational excellence. For information send an email by clicking here. |
