Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools reports $1.4M raised, $312K dispersed to district this fiscal year
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Summary
The Foundation told the Lincoln Public Schools board it has raised $1.4 million toward a $3.2 million goal, has dispersed $312,000 to the district this fiscal year and provided emergency student support and classroom grants; board members asked how 'fund a need' requests are processed and heard examples of emergency fund uses.
Natalia Weda, speaking for the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, gave a year‑to‑date update to the board, reporting the foundation has raised $1,400,000 toward a $3,200,000 annual goal (about 43% of goal) and has dispersed $312,000 to Lincoln Public Schools so far this fiscal year.
Weda said the Foundation has supported an estimated 28,000 students and educators, completed 38 funded aid campaigns and distributed $87,000 in classroom support. The Foundation has also distributed about $80,000 from its student emergency fund to families in immediate need and recognized seven educators with $500 Klein New Teacher Awards distributed just before the holidays.
Weda described the Foundation’s 'fund a need' process: teachers identify classroom projects, run them through the school principal for approval and, if appropriate, the Foundation builds a crowdsourcing landing page that can be shared with parents and community donors. She told the board the emergency fund provides rapid 24‑hour assistance—examples cited included rental support, grocery gift cards and utility bill assistance coordinated with school social workers while longer‑term support is arranged.
Weda said scholarship application submissions were ahead of last year with 147 applications in progress and that planning is underway for an All‑in‑for‑LPS giving day and related kickoff events, including a Feb. 26 kickoff event and a later all‑day giving day. She thanked district staff who help connect principals and title schools with foundation resources.
Board members thanked the Foundation, asked clarifying questions about review and selection processes, and expressed appreciation for emergency support examples. The presentation concluded with no formal board action required; Weda invited follow‑up questions and said the Foundation would return as needed to provide further details.