What is MSF?
The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation was founded by parents and community members in 1996 to
raise funds and encourage excellence in our public schools by funding innovative programs that fall
beyond the scope of the regular school budget. It offers a way for individuals, foundations and
corporations to donate money to the public schools, and for teachers and administrators to get extra
funding for new programs and equipment. MSF is a non-profit organization run by volunteers,
independent of the school board and administration, though it operates with their cooperation and
support. *
How is MSF different from the PTA?
MSF generally funds larger initiatives, often specifically related to curriculum, and provides seed
money to pioneer new programs, technology or approaches to teaching, rather than funding ongoing
expenses. The Foundation considers requests with a view to the needs of the school district as a
whole, and particularly welcomes multi-school grants. In short, MSF funds grants in areas that are
often beyond the scope or purview of the PTAs. MSF does not compete with the PTAs, but rather
complements the work they are doing within each school. The Schools Foundation is also a
separate entity from the Student Aid Fund, which solicits funds for college scholarships for worthy
seniors.
We pay high taxes to fund a large school budget. Why is there a need for MSF to ask for donations
as well?
MSF was founded not only to raise money, but also to encourage and reward innovation in teaching.
By encouraging teachers and administrators to develop new programs and creative approaches to
teaching, and to incorporate new technologies and equipment in their classrooms, we provide
incentives for teachers to stay on the cutting edge of their field, and to stay motivated and excited
about teaching. We reward their efforts by funding “wish list” projects for their classrooms that might
otherwise never come to fruition, and we allow teachers the opportunity to dream bigger and to try out
new ideas as pilot programs. We provide a way for parents and community members who want to
make our schools the best they possibly can be to give teachers and students the “extras” that create
a truly outstanding school system. The vast majority of the school taxes and budget go toward fixed
expenses such as salaries, building costs, pensions and insurance. Only about 1% of our district’s
$96 million budget represents discretionary costs. Within that context, the Foundation’s annual
budget of approximately $300,000 can have a huge impact, and in the face of rising costs and
decreasing state and federal aid, helps ensure that our schools continue to excel.
How are grants chosen and awarded?
Anyone—teachers, administrators, community members—is encouraged to apply for grants. A copy
of the MSF Grant Guidelines as well as the Grant Application can be found on our website, www.
MamaroneckSchoolsFoundation.org. We request that the relevant school’s principal or program
administrator be made aware of the grant proposal. A committee of MSF board members carefully
reviews and evaluates all grant requests, questioning grant applicants thoroughly, and then,
depending on funds available, votes to award grants to as many programs deemed worthy as
possible. The superintendent of schools also reviews all grants, and then the funds are accepted by
the school board.
How much money does the Foundation grant?
Grants range from $1,500 to as much as $50,000. Overall, we have contributed more than
$1,500,000 for over 160 grants to our schools in past years.
I have an idea for a new program. How do I apply for a grant?
Obtain a copy of the Grant Guidelines and Grant Application as explained above. Talk with any
teachers or administrators who would be involved in implementing the program to gauge their
interest. It is important that any program have the support of a faculty member to implement it.
Parents and community members can play an important role in suggesting new programs, and in
providing assistance in the grant-writing process. We also award grants to education-related
programs for community organizations such as the Community Counseling Center, the Mamaroneck
Library, the Hispanic Resource Center, and the Sheldrake Nature Center.
How does the Foundation raise its money?
The Foundation raises almost all its funds from two primary sources: A fall fund-raising mailer, sent
out to all district families in early November, which raises over $100,000; and through a Spring Gala
and Silent Auction held in May. We also receive a portion of proceeds from the Antiques Fair held at
the High School in March. In past years, we were especially fortunate to receive substantial directed
donations from generous anonymous donors in the community that were used to fund a specially
created pre-K literacy program and for teacher training and staff development.
How are board members for MSF chosen and who are they?
All members are volunteers who simply express interest and enthusiasm for joining in the work of
the Foundation. All start as members of the Advisory Board and then, as they demonstrate a
commitment to the organization, may be named as members to the Board. Interested faculty
members are also members of our board. The Board generally meets on the second Wednesday of
each month at the High School. We welcome new members: Please contact the Foundation office at
698-9079 or msfoundation@mamkschools.org for more information.
Do most public school districts in Westchester have schools foundations?
Yes, they do. Districts ranging from Bronxville, which has one of the oldest and most successful
foundations, to Eastchester, which has more recently formed a foundation, are finding it a worthwhile
way to raise funds and enhance education in their communities. And across the country, there is
greater emphasis on private and corporate giving for public schools. Mamaroneck has one of the
most successful foundations in the area in terms of both money raised and grants awarded. A strong
schools foundation is considered an important sign of a community’s commitment to education, and
is often noted by realtors and in descriptions of our community.
The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation was founded by parents and community members in 1996 to
raise funds and encourage excellence in our public schools by funding innovative programs that fall
beyond the scope of the regular school budget. It offers a way for individuals, foundations and
corporations to donate money to the public schools, and for teachers and administrators to get extra
funding for new programs and equipment. MSF is a non-profit organization run by volunteers,
independent of the school board and administration, though it operates with their cooperation and
support. *
How is MSF different from the PTA?
MSF generally funds larger initiatives, often specifically related to curriculum, and provides seed
money to pioneer new programs, technology or approaches to teaching, rather than funding ongoing
expenses. The Foundation considers requests with a view to the needs of the school district as a
whole, and particularly welcomes multi-school grants. In short, MSF funds grants in areas that are
often beyond the scope or purview of the PTAs. MSF does not compete with the PTAs, but rather
complements the work they are doing within each school. The Schools Foundation is also a
separate entity from the Student Aid Fund, which solicits funds for college scholarships for worthy
seniors.
We pay high taxes to fund a large school budget. Why is there a need for MSF to ask for donations
as well?
MSF was founded not only to raise money, but also to encourage and reward innovation in teaching.
By encouraging teachers and administrators to develop new programs and creative approaches to
teaching, and to incorporate new technologies and equipment in their classrooms, we provide
incentives for teachers to stay on the cutting edge of their field, and to stay motivated and excited
about teaching. We reward their efforts by funding “wish list” projects for their classrooms that might
otherwise never come to fruition, and we allow teachers the opportunity to dream bigger and to try out
new ideas as pilot programs. We provide a way for parents and community members who want to
make our schools the best they possibly can be to give teachers and students the “extras” that create
a truly outstanding school system. The vast majority of the school taxes and budget go toward fixed
expenses such as salaries, building costs, pensions and insurance. Only about 1% of our district’s
$96 million budget represents discretionary costs. Within that context, the Foundation’s annual
budget of approximately $300,000 can have a huge impact, and in the face of rising costs and
decreasing state and federal aid, helps ensure that our schools continue to excel.
How are grants chosen and awarded?
Anyone—teachers, administrators, community members—is encouraged to apply for grants. A copy
of the MSF Grant Guidelines as well as the Grant Application can be found on our website, www.
MamaroneckSchoolsFoundation.org. We request that the relevant school’s principal or program
administrator be made aware of the grant proposal. A committee of MSF board members carefully
reviews and evaluates all grant requests, questioning grant applicants thoroughly, and then,
depending on funds available, votes to award grants to as many programs deemed worthy as
possible. The superintendent of schools also reviews all grants, and then the funds are accepted by
the school board.
How much money does the Foundation grant?
Grants range from $1,500 to as much as $50,000. Overall, we have contributed more than
$1,500,000 for over 160 grants to our schools in past years.
I have an idea for a new program. How do I apply for a grant?
Obtain a copy of the Grant Guidelines and Grant Application as explained above. Talk with any
teachers or administrators who would be involved in implementing the program to gauge their
interest. It is important that any program have the support of a faculty member to implement it.
Parents and community members can play an important role in suggesting new programs, and in
providing assistance in the grant-writing process. We also award grants to education-related
programs for community organizations such as the Community Counseling Center, the Mamaroneck
Library, the Hispanic Resource Center, and the Sheldrake Nature Center.
How does the Foundation raise its money?
The Foundation raises almost all its funds from two primary sources: A fall fund-raising mailer, sent
out to all district families in early November, which raises over $100,000; and through a Spring Gala
and Silent Auction held in May. We also receive a portion of proceeds from the Antiques Fair held at
the High School in March. In past years, we were especially fortunate to receive substantial directed
donations from generous anonymous donors in the community that were used to fund a specially
created pre-K literacy program and for teacher training and staff development.
How are board members for MSF chosen and who are they?
All members are volunteers who simply express interest and enthusiasm for joining in the work of
the Foundation. All start as members of the Advisory Board and then, as they demonstrate a
commitment to the organization, may be named as members to the Board. Interested faculty
members are also members of our board. The Board generally meets on the second Wednesday of
each month at the High School. We welcome new members: Please contact the Foundation office at
698-9079 or msfoundation@mamkschools.org for more information.
Do most public school districts in Westchester have schools foundations?
Yes, they do. Districts ranging from Bronxville, which has one of the oldest and most successful
foundations, to Eastchester, which has more recently formed a foundation, are finding it a worthwhile
way to raise funds and enhance education in their communities. And across the country, there is
greater emphasis on private and corporate giving for public schools. Mamaroneck has one of the
most successful foundations in the area in terms of both money raised and grants awarded. A strong
schools foundation is considered an important sign of a community’s commitment to education, and
is often noted by realtors and in descriptions of our community.
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Frequently Asked Questions |
| 914-698-9079 |