Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools reports $4 million in support, highlights Spark summer learning

Angelina Cunning, director of operations for the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, updated the board on foundation activity and summer programming during the Sept. 9 meeting.

Cunning said the foundation's Spark Summer Learning Program ran nine weeks this year and "we were proud to welcome an average of 125 campers each week," drawing students from 48 different schools across the region. The foundation produced scholarships and supports to broaden access: Cunning reported $138,730 in scholarships awarded to campers this summer.

In a broader district summary, Cunning told the board that the foundation distributed nearly $4,000,000 in support over the past year, including $2,500,000 for activity complexes, more than $90,000 in emergency relief for students and families, and $63,000 to reduce student lunch debt. The foundation also awarded more than 120 scholarships, honored 75 students and staff and 19 educators in recognition programs, and grew its donor base to more than 2,200 supporters with nearly 1,000 new donors.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2025-26, Cunning said the foundation set a $3.2 million fundraising target and plans to activate underutilized funds, expand corporate partnerships and launch signature events, including a 10th-anniversary career academy celebration in October. "We're not only funding programs, we're creating opportunities and removing barriers so that every student can thrive," Cunning told the board.

Board members thanked the foundation for its partnership and resources. The board received the foundation's report as part of the meeting's special reports segment.