The Delaware County Education Foundation

Overview

The Delaware County Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of students in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Foundation supports the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) and the Delaware County Technical Schools, providing financial resources for innovative educational programs and projects.

Mission and Objectives

The Foundation's primary mission is to fund educational initiatives that promote student learning and innovation. It achieves this by offering grants to classroom teachers and administrators for projects that introduce creative teaching methods and utilize innovative equipment and materials. These grants are designed to support projects that would not typically be covered by standard program budgets.

Grant Procedures

Grant applicants must be employed by either the DCIU or the Delaware County Technical Schools as directors, supervisors, or classroom professionals. The grant application process is competitive, and proposals must align with the Foundation's criteria, which include:

• Innovation and Best Practices: Proposals should positively impact student learning by promoting innovative teaching practices and best educational standards.
• Program Enhancement: Projects should offer unique educational experiences not typically included in a program's budget.

Proposals that request funding for basic supplies, technology funded through regular budgets, hardware like computers, or ongoing service plans are not considered.

Structure and Administration

The Foundation operates independently of the DCIU, even though it supports DCIU and Technical Schools' programs. It has a formal administrative structure with officers responsible for managing its activities.

Financial Operations

The Delaware County Education Foundation generates revenue through donations and fundraising efforts. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible, allowing supporters to designate their gifts to specific programs or projects. In recent years, the Foundation has reported significant financial activity, with revenues coming from grants, program services, and investment income. However, financial details such as specific revenue figures and expenditures can be found in annual Form 990 filings submitted to the IRS.

Impact

By supporting over 15,000 students through innovative educational initiatives, the Delaware County Education Foundation plays a vital role in enhancing educational outcomes in Delaware County. Its efforts focus on enriching the learning environment and providing resources that otherwise might not be available, thereby contributing to the educational growth and success of the community.