The Irvington Education Foundation began in 1996 by a group of concerned citizens when budget cuts threatened to eliminate the drama program from the high school curriculum. With the support of the Irvington Board of Education, the IEF became a not-for-profit 501c tax-exempt organization incorporated in the State of New York and raised the funds needed to save the drama program. The Directors of the IEF quickly realized that through private dollars educational enrichment programs could be offered to students in all schools. It's mission was born: to raise and distribute funds for programs that enrich the educational experiences of the district's children above and beyond the limits of the public school budget.

OUR PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

The IEF serves as a vehicle for the Irvington community to stimulate and encourage students, faculty, administrators, parents and others to explore new ways of meaningfully augmenting the school curriculum. Diverse programs are granted within the following guidelines:

• Strengthen curriculum developing and promoting innovative programs;
  
• Provide financial assistance for special school facilities, equipment, or technology;
  
• Encourage the involvement of parents and the larger Irvington community
  
  

Requests for grant proposals are solicited from teaches, administrators, parents, students, and community members, and encompass a wide spectrum of interests, including the creative and applied arts, science, history, literature, technology, and physical education.

GOVERNANCE

The IEF is comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors which includes the Superintendent of Schools, a representative of the Board of Education, and a Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) delegate who serve as ex-officio members. The Foundation reviews applications and proposals from teachers, administrators students and members of the community. The Foundation subsequently submits its recommendation for funding to the Board of Education, which, as required by law, has final approval over all awards.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

The IEF serves to strengthen the community's commitment to excellence. By funding programs which would otherwise not have been affordable within the district's budget, children's lives are enriched by participation in new experiences and opportumties, and the community will be all the richer for its well educated citizenry. Businesses in the community and the greater metropolitan region will similarly benefit from this investment in the families of their present and future emphasis. Since its inception in 1996 the IEF has granted approximately $1.2 million dollars to the school district..