Chandler Education Foundation outlines grants, scholarships and community fundraising to CUSD board
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Summary
At a CUSD study session, the Chandler Education Foundation described its grant, scholarship and fundraising programs that support classrooms, teachers and students across the district, and urged outreach to encourage scholarship applications before the March 24 deadline.
The Chandler Education Foundation (CEF) told the Chandler Unified School District governing board at a study session that it raises money and distributes grants and scholarships to support classroom programs, teachers and students across the district.
CEF Executive Director Jen Hewitt said the foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) that has worked with the district for nearly 40 years. “We are the 501c3, with the purpose to ignite the power of community fundraising to fuel access and innovation and excellence within CUSD,” Hewitt said.
Hewitt described the foundation’s grant programs for classroom innovation, donor scholarships and teacher support. She said CEF awarded more than 120 classroom grants totaling over $180,000 in the most recent year, and that grant awards focus on STEM, special education, fine arts, language and literacy. The foundation’s Impact Chandler Scholars program awarded $111,000 last year; donor scholarships totaled more than $126,000; and CEF provided about $48,000 in funding to support teacher certifications and professional development.
CEF staff also described recurring fundraising events and partnerships. Hewitt said Subaru has contributed more than $370,000 over the past decade for the foundation’s lifelong learning program, the foundation holds an annual golf tournament (which raised more than $200,000 last September), and the foundation’s car-and-cash raffle—kicking off January 22—has a $150,000 goal to fund the Impact scholarship program. Hewitt urged board members and district staff to publicize scholarship deadlines; a board member reminded the room that applications are due March 24.
The foundation said it serves as fiscal agent for several programs, including the Toyota Driving Possibilities grant; Hewitt noted foundation staff include a project manager assigned to grant work. Board members asked about CEF’s role supporting the Hope Institute; Hewitt and district staff said CEF has helped subsidize the Institute while it transitions families to insurance billing, and that those payments have reduced as insurance coverage has expanded.
Board members and staff asked how schools and families learn about CEF programs. Hewitt said the district circulates information in newsletters and career-counselor channels and that the foundation distributes details through its own outreach and vendor partners.
CEF’s presentation included anecdotes about the “Woohoo Patrol,” teacher surprise visits after grants are awarded, and classroom projects supported by CEF funds—including 3D modeling and biotech experiences at Casteel and Santan schools. Hewitt said the foundation is governed by a 20‑member board of community leaders and supported by volunteers and vendors.
The foundation encouraged volunteers and donors to invest in education through endowments, donor scholarships and sponsorships, and said it will continue to work with district staff to boost scholarship awareness.
