The Raymond Educational Foundation is a nonprofit private foundation established to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships and grants primarily to residents of Coconino County, Arizona. Founded by Dr. R.O. Raymond, a physician, stockman, humanitarian, and philanthropist, the foundation was originally conceived as the Flagstaff Educational Foundation in 1952 with the mission to support individuals seeking further education in the Flagstaff area and surrounding communities.

History and Mission

Dr. R.O. Raymond founded the organization to carry on his passion for education by helping those in need obtain quality educational opportunities. Over time, the foundation has focused on awarding scholarships to students attending Northern Arizona University (NAU) and Coconino Community College (CCC), as well as providing grants to local organizations within Coconino County that meet the foundation's criteria.

Activities and Impact

The foundation distributes over $130,000 annually through scholarships and grants, supporting students and community organizations alike. Recipients of these scholarships have expressed gratitude, noting that the financial support provided by the foundation significantly eased their educational expenses and helped them pursue professional goals in fields such as nursing and dental hygiene.

Grants from the foundation are allocated to local nonprofits and organizations by application, with a submission deadline typically set on March 31 each year. Past grants have supported organizations like the Flagstaff Family Food Center and Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County, reflecting the foundation's commitment to education and community well-being beyond direct student aid.

Governance and Funding

The Raymond Educational Foundation operates with an all-volunteer board of directors and general membership, emphasizing the founder’s vision and values. As a private foundation, it relies on investment income and donations to fund its scholarships and grants. For the fiscal year ending in 2023, the foundation reported revenues of approximately $110,000, primarily from investment income and asset sales, with no reported expenses on grants or contributions, indicating a conservative fiscal approach to sustain long-term educational funding.

The foundation’s assets as reported have ranged between $2 million and $4 million, reinforcing its capacity to continue supporting education in the region consistently.

Legacy

The Raymond Educational Foundation honors Dr. R.O. Raymond’s legacy by continuing to provide educational opportunities for residents of Flagstaff and Coconino County. The organization maintains a strong focus on uplifting local students through financial aid and empowering community-based educational initiatives via grants.

This article summarizes the core aspects of the Raymond Educational Foundation, highlighting its history, mission, activities, and financial stewardship in serving educational needs in Northern Arizona.