FAQ about the RSU22 Education Foundation

A: The overall mission of the Foundation is to support innovation in district schools through fundraising, engaging volunteers, and building an endowment. Some Education Foundations offer mini-grants to teachers, run scholarship programs and manage alumni relations. Our Foundation is in the process of deciding what to focus on. 

A: A volunteer board provides leadership for the Foundation. Members represent all four towns in the school district: Hampden, Frankfort, Newburgh and Winterport.  

A: Not all initiatives can be funded by the school budget.  

The Education Foundation provides teachers and students with the necessary resources to ensure educational excellence and innovation into the future. Shrinking federal and state funding for education, estimated at 8 percent over the last 15 years, have posed major challenges in our District and around the state, leaving little opportunity for us to fund innovative and creative programs. 

To remain one of the leading Districts in the state, RSU22 must keep innovative programs in its classrooms, whether traditional or not, and be able to recruit and retain high-caliber staff. The Education Foundation provides much-needed capital for our public schools so they remain academically competitive and cutting-edge, therefore supporting students, families, teachers, businesses and the community as a whole.   

A: The Foundation is a separate, non-profit organization, that is not a part of the district, but partners with district staff and the RSU22 School Board to support schools, staff and students. 

A: The Foundation is completely donor-supported and is a 501c3 non-profit organization. 

 A: The Foundation Board is currently developing an action plan to fulfill its mission to support innovative teaching and learning for RSU22. If you have an idea or suggestion, feel free to contact the Foundation directly by email or mail or to attend a monthly Board meeting.

A: The Foundation does not have a designated office as all members work remotely. The Foundation meets once a month at one of the district schools.  

A: Donations are welcome! Simply reach out to one of the board members by email, donate online, or mail your donation to the RSU22 Education Foundation, Box 115, Hampden, ME 04444. You will receive an acknowledgement and a receipt; all donations are fully tax-deductible.