Using school foundations as a public relations tool to market schools to the community

This study shows how school foundations, created by local school districts to raise additional revenue to supplement their tax-based funding for educational programs and projects, generate benefits beyond the fund-raising aspect. Existing research was compiled and reviewed to explore what school foundations are, why school districts have foundations, what the extra benefits of foundations are, why foundations are helpful in fund-raising, and what impact foundations have at the polls. Telephone interviews with various experts in the field of school foundations as well as school districts with foundations in place provided further relevant information on guiding principles, keys to success, and recommendations for establishing foundations as a successful marketing tool. The findings that emerged are arranged into ten questions and answers based on what appeared to be the most important questions to ask in forming a foundation. The major findings indicate that in addition to providing a margin of excellence, school foundations bridge the gap between school and community. With the school as a resource for the entire community, attitudes, support, and communication improve along with student and staff morale. Successful foundations develop favorable public relations for schools