| Mamaroneck Schools Foundation Enhancing educational excellence in the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Schools |
FAQS about MSF
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.
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.
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copyright 2004 Mamaroneck Schools Foundation
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