What is Foundation?

The Beverly Cleary School Foundation is a parent-led organization that, very simply, raises money to hire teachers and staff beyond the positions allocated by the school district.  While PTA funds can be used for things (e.g. events, capital improvements, grant money for teachers, class materials, etc.), Foundation funds are the only way we can hire additional teachers and staff.

Faced with ever-shrinking district budgets, we have worked hard to maintain a full-range of specialist teachers at Beverly Cleary School.  As a result, our children have continued to benefit from physical education and music, even though these programs are not currently funded by the school district.

The Beverly Cleary School Foundation, like most other area school foundations, operates under the umbrella of the Portland Schools Foundation (PSF).  Two-thirds of the money raised by our school foundation stays at Beverly Cleary School for additional staff, while the remaining third goes to PSF to provide grants to Portland’s highest-needs schools.

FOUNDATION + VOLUNTEERS = FUNDS TO ACQUIRE BCS STAFF

The Foundation raises money through a range of fund-raising activities including direct donation and our annual auction.  None of our fundraising goals could be met without the dedication of our great volunteers. There are many ways to help--ranging from serving on the Foundation Board or helping with the auction to simply joining the pool of Foundation volunteers who are available for smaller tasks. Of course, we also hope that you will contribute generously to the Foundation's direct mail campaigns, and encourage grandparents and neighbors to donate as well.