Dedham Education Foundation

The objectives of the Foundation are to provide direct support for classroom activities, to support teacher initiatives and ideas, and to create a permanent endowment fund. The Foundation provides financial support at all grade levels for internal and external, multicultural classroom activities. The Foundation does not fund teaching or other personnel positions or materials traditionally covered by school budgets. Foundation funds are a supplement for teacher initiatives and other projects that enhance student learning.

The Foundation has funneled financial support totaling over $175,000 to numerous programs and classroom activities in the past twelve years, including storytellers, authors-in-residence, art enrichment, literacy and reading programs, social skills programs, and other multi-cultural programs. The foundation has funded field trips such as The Science Museum, Plymouth Plantation, and The Blue Hills Trailside Museum. Funds have been provided for student performances including live theater productions, drama club, and both the middle and high school choruses. Also, Science Museum presentations and learning kits have been made available through Foundation funding.

Foundation dollars are distributed through a grants process. Teachers submit requests, describing the activity or other reason for the grant, including amount required. A Grants Committee reviews and selects those requests that meet guidelines and funding limits. Once approved by the Board of Directors, the Committee Chairperson notifies grant recipients. The Foundation treasurer distributes all funds.

For the past five years, the Dedham Education Foundation has conducted an appreciation dinner at which selected teachers and community volunteers are recognized for their efforts. This event is not considered a fundraiser, but an opportunity to bring people from education and other community venues together to recognize deserving individuals.

The Dedham Education Foundation conducts an annual spelling bee, held late February-early March, which is the organization's official annual fundraiser. Teams of students, teachers, and community leaders and other private citizens compete in this fun-filled evening.

The primary source of funding for the Foundation is private donations; donations are the lifeblood of the organization. Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted.  Donator categories are set up as follows:

 
Benefactor ($1,000) Patron ($500) Sponsor ($250) Primary Donor ($100)
 

Supporter ($50) Supporting Donor ($25) Donor ($10)

 
Please choose a donor category and make a tax-exempt donation to this worthwhile organization:

   
The Dedham Education Foundation
100 Whiting ave
Dedham, Ma 02027
 

If you would like more information about the Foundation, please contact Gemma Martin @

781-329-620 or gemma@chickmontanagroup.com