Mission, History & Goals - Gilbert, Iowa Education Foundation

Mission, History & Goals

Mission Statement

The Gilbert Education Foundation is dedicated to enhancing, enriching, and supporting the quality of educational programs in the Gilbert Community School District.

Goals of the Gilbert Education Foundation 

  • Encourage academic excellence in the Gilbert Community School District by providing funding not available through traditional local, state, or federal sources.

  • Provide the opportunity to make tax-deductible contributions, memorial gifts, and other donations in recognition and support of the Gilbert Community School District.

  • Provide opportunities for teachers and staff to develop innovative projects through grants.

  • Seek and cultivate private and corporate funding sources.

History

The Gilbert Education Foundation is committed to educational excellence for every student in the Gilbert Community School District, both today and in the future. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Foundation raises funds to bridge the gap created between government funding and the actual needs of our public school. These funds provide essential programs, materials and equipment to promote an exemplary education for every student, every day.

The Gilbert Education Foundation was established in 1993 and our foundation's inaugural fundraising event, "The Rock Hop," took place in 1999. At the time, education costs had increased but state funding failed to keep pace. A group dedicated to the Gilbert district had incredible vision and decided to develop a foundation that could raise money to help offset some of those costs.  

Over three decades later, education costs continue to rise, state funding continues to decline, and our district continues to grow.  The Gilbert Community School District continues to assume greater responsibility for funding our existing successful programs and for supporting the development of innovative new ones. The goal is to positively impact as many students in this district as possible, through supporting the educational needs of our students and staff.   

To date, our Foundation has raised over 3 million dollars. Each year, eighty percent of the funds raised are invested into the school district, while the remaining twenty percent is allocated to an endowment account to address future requirements. Throughout the years, the Gilbert Education Foundation has provided support for numerous projects, including technology advancements such as iPads, Chromebooks, 3D printers, cameras and more. Additionally, we have contributed to literacy materials, STEM projects, district field trips, middle school MTSS activities, mini-grants for teachers and guest speakers for school assemblies. Furthermore, through special appeal campaigns, we have aided initiatives such as the Career Technical Education (CTE) lab and mental health first aid training for high school students.

The success of the Gilbert Education Foundation is entirely dependent on the generous support of our friends, alumni and supporters within the Gilbert Community School District. We continuously rely on your assistance to uphold our legacy of enriching the quality of education for all. Your commitment of time, skills, and financial resources will enable us to fulfill our mission. We thank you for your past and future support.

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