About
What is the Education Foundation?
The Education Foundation of Cotati & Rohnert Park is a nonprofit organization. The Foundation was founded in 1983 in response to the reality of dwindling state funds available to support educational excellence in our community. To date, grants totaling over a Million dollars have been distributed to local teachers and administrators.
Who We Are
Our Board of Directors is comprised of active members from the community, including parents, business leaders, teachers and administrators, who all share a common commitment to educational excellence. It is our belief that the community must play an active role in preparing our youth for an increasingly complex world.
We Are Part of a Team
While our organization is independent of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, we believe that greater success comes from a coordinated effort with the School District. Therefore, we maintain communication through a District liaison who keeps us informed about the current educational methodologies of the District.
Teachers Make a Difference
Teachers have the responsibility and the privilege of preparing our youth to meet the challenges of the future. Without their commitment, energy and support, our children may never reach their full potential. Their job today is more difficult and demanding than ever before.
The Education Foundation assists teachers by supporting their vision of a quality education. We provide funding for innovative programs that address diverse learning styles and introduce students to real life experiences. Further, we recognize outstanding educators with the presentation of the Lou Colby Award.
A Means to an End
Through a variety of fund-raising activities and donor contributions, the Education Foundation provides otherwise unavailable funds for education programs in local classrooms. We recognize the crucial role that teacher resources play in promoting excellence in education.
The Education Grant Process
The Grant process begins with a written proposal submitted by a teacher or administrator. Traditionally, grants are due at the end of March. The Grant Committee Facilitator assigns each grant a number so as to maintain anonymity of the grant writer and school site. Except for the facilitator, the entire Board of Directors and the Advisory Board Members participate in the approval of grants. Follow-up evaluations are conducted to monitor the effectiveness of the funded programs. Click here to submit a grant.
Join Us
If you think you would like to join us, we ask that you attend at least one of our monthly board meetings and at least one of our events. Thereafter, you may download an application, and mail or e-mail the completed application to us. It will be reviewed at our next meeting, after which you will be notified if you have been accepted. Click here to contact us.
