Wilmington Schools Foundation Raised Over $15,000 in 2024–2025

Wilmington Schools Foundation and School Board

The Wilmington Schools Foundation (WSF) has operated in Wilmington since 1988 with a focus on supporting Wilmington City Schools (WCS) through grant funds, teacher recognition, and alumni connection. Current Executive Director, Elizabeth Huber, stated that their over 15 member board includes alumni and community members, as well as WCS Superintendent, a school board representative, and a teacher representative. She stated, "Even though we are [a separate organization] from the schools, we still have that school connection."

Elizabeth continued, "Last year, we gave over $15,000 worth of grants back into the schools... I'm really trying to get out there and get the word out and do some marketing for the positive reinforcement of what we actually do." WSF allows WCS' teachers and staff members to submit grant applications with creative ideas to enhance the students' educational environment.

WSF grant awards for individual teacher projects typically range from $500 to $1,000 and group grant project awards can range from $1,500 to $2,000. The grant applications are reviewed by the grant committee and then awarded after WSF approval. Through this process, WSF has provided t-shirts to incoming kindergartners, new white boards for the high school math teachers, and most of the district's field trips—including the 2024–2025 Middle School field trip to the Underground Railroad Museum in Cincinnati.

To raise funds, WSF focuses on two main fundraisers, the 'savings card' to local businesses, and an Employee Gift Campaign (EGC). According to Elizabeth, these are the WSF highest earning fundraisers. The savings cards cost $10 and features coupons for 18 local businesses, including Gold Star, the Elks, and Fiesta Veracruz. The EGC is a program that allows teachers to donate directly from their paycheck, anywhere from $2 to $50 per paycheck. The foundation also awards yearly "Excellence in Teaching" Awards to four teachers each year, one from each building.

In addition to this, WSF also focuses on connecting alumni. Elizabeth hopes to increase alumni engagement by continuing to publish an alumni newsletter and "celebrate the positive."

To learn more, get involved, or donate to WSF, visit wilmingtonschools

foundation.org