Have district-wide value

Enhance the basic curriculum

Are consistent and coordinated with 

the long term plans of the district

Improve school/community relations

Involve short-term fundning

In 1996, the Board of Education of District 181 directed a year long study to assess the feasibility of establishing a foundation for the school district.  A committee of staff and citizens studied the issue and determined that a foundation was viable and could offer significant value to the district and community.  

The District 181 Foundation was formally established in 1997 and incorporated in 1999 for the purpose of supporting initiatives that benefit students across District 181 which are not or cannot be funded by tax revenues.  

The Foundation received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS as a charitable, non-for-profit organization.  Since its inception, the District 181 Foundation has raised more than $500,000 in support of its mission and objectives.