What is the Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan
The Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is run by people (trustees) who live or work in the area and are dedicated to raising funds from individuals, corporations or other foundations to pay for innovative projects or programs not available through public funding. Foundation funds are not a substitute or replacement for governmental support. We are a Federally recognized 501 c 3 organization.
Is the Foundation a part of the school district?
No. The Foundation is totally autonomous and does not receive any funding or tax dollars from the school district or either of the towns.
What does the Foundation do?
Each year, the Foundation provides grants for unique scientific, cultural, artistic and scholastic programs and technologies that benefit a significant number of students. The grants are not intended as a substitute or replacement for governmental support. Rather, resources are used to support creative approaches to teaching and learning which are not funded by tax dollars.
Who are the members of the Foundation?
The Foundation is administered solely by volunteers made up of local citizens, district teachers and parents who are dedicated to enriching the education of the children in our schools. These volunteers are known as trustees.
Where does the Foundation get its money?
All money is obtained through various fundraising efforts conducted by the trustees, such as the Annual Campaign, Teacher Tribute Program, the annual Gala, and our Memorial Program. In addition, grants and donations are solicited from local corporations.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, donations are tax deductible as permitted by law. We are a non-profit corporation chartered under Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
How do teachers or administrators get a grant?
Every year, teachers and administrators have the opportunity to submit a grant application detailing their project and what makes it unique, how many students will be impacted by the grant and the amount of money they will need. Then, a grant committee comprised of Foundation trustees and district teachers/administrators review the grants and determine which grants should be awarded for that year.
How large can a grant be?
Presently we have two grant programs, the Mini-Grant Program and the Large Grant Program. The Mini-Grant Program funds smaller projects up to $1,500 each. Recently, the Foundation funded a large grant at Eisenhower Intermediate School. The M.A.R.E. Program at Eisenhower received approximately $30,000 from the Foundation over a three year period.
How much money has the Foundation donated to the schools?
Since its inceptions in 1993, the Foundation has distributed nearly $900,000 for programs, projects and scholarships benefiting a large number of district students.
Has my child’s school ever received a grant?
Absolutely! Over the years, every school in Bridgewater-Raritan has received multiple grants from the Foundation.
How can I help the Foundation?
There are two ways you can help the Foundation. If you aren’t able to volunteer with us you can make a monetary donation to the Foundation. Donations can be made at any time during the year. They can be made as a simple donation or in honor of a teacher or in memory of a loved one. Click here to donate online or make a check payable to: The Education Foundation of Bridgewater-Raritan and mailed to PO Box 6044, Bridgewater, NJ, 08807.
Does your employer match donations?
Many employers have Matching Gift programs and will match employee donations made to tax-exempt charitable corporations. Please check with your Human Resources Department to see if your company participates.
