Beyond the Books Educational Foundation
was formed in 1992 to fund innovative enrichment programs for the students of District 87 and Unit 5 public schools. These programs extend the resources of the school districts, enabling educators to go beyond standard classroom experiences. Through private funding, the Foundation seeks to stimulate the imagination of educators to conceive programs, which would not otherwise be affordable.
"It takes an entire village to educate a child. " African proverb
The recipients of these funds are educators whose creative and unique ideas are launched into model programs that can be adapted for use throughout the districts. These projects provide additional learning, experiences for students that are not typically funded by normal tax support.
WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL GOAL OF THE FOUNDATION?
Beyond the Books Educational
Foundation is working toward establishing an endowment fund by 2010 of $1,000,000 which will provide interest earnings to fund grants every year.
The on-going financial commitment of contributors to the Foundation can enable our children and our community to become the best they can be.
"We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit." Robert H. Shaffer
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR AWARDING GRANTS?
Each winter, educators in both District 87 and Unit 5 are invited to submit a written
grant
application which describes the project, method of implementation, cost estimate and the value of the program to students.
Applications are reviewed by the Beyond the Books Educational Foundation
Board of Directors and funding is awarded according to established criteria. The selected programs are implemented in the following school year.
"Parents cannot leave a better legacy to the world than well-educated children." Unknown
WHAT KINDS OF ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED?
The objective of Beyond the Books Educational Foundation is to fund innovative programs, which are not currently offered, that enhance educational experiences.
The Foundation is committed to educational excellence in the core academic areas, the arts and humanities, sciences, and technology. All age levels and areas of study are considered.
HOW IS THE FOUNDATION STRUCTURED?
Beyond the Books Educational Foundation is a not-for-profit Illinois corporation. Its purpose is to provide a long-term, self-sustaining financial base that will annually fund innovative academic programs in District 87 and Unit 5 public schools.
All work is accomplished by volunteers who serve without salary as the board of directors. Annually the board elects officers and directors, reviews policies and practices, evaluates the funded projects and conducts a financial audit.
"Education will never become as expensive as ignorance." Unknown
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS?
The Foundation is a group of private citizens, and is not part of either school district. There is, of course, good communication and cooperation between the
Beyond the Books Educational Foundation and both school districts. The Boards of Education of District 87 and Unit 5 encouraged the formation of the Foundation and strongly support its efforts...a partnership for innovation in public education.
"Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly or it vanished." Peter Drucker
"A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started." Abraham Lincoln
WHAT AWARD RECIPIENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT THE VALUE OF BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANTS:
"I am excited to offer several literature-based, after-school programs for the children at our school."
"Thank you for supporting educational programs which wouldn't have been funded through traditional sources."
"Your funds provided me with skill, equipment, and expertise."
"Thanks for helping expand our writing program. Good communication skills will benefit our students."
We offer opportunities for hands-on learning experiences for students in our "People of the Talking Prairie"
Program.
"Thank you for the grant to educate area elementary students about agricultural education. Agriculture affects everyone's life everyday."
"Funding our program will provide a positive role model for our students."
"You will help our teachers encourage the joy of reading in our children."
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION?
• Payment may be made by check or credit card.
• An annual pledge or one time donation is appreciated.
• Make an Honor donation to commemorate a special person (child, teacher, parent) or occasion (birthday, anniversary, graduation, retirement).
• Remember someone with a Memorial gift.
• Name the Foundation in a bequest, real estate gift or as a beneficiary on an insurance policy. Consult your attorney if you need assistance.
WHERE DO I SEND MY DONATION?
BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
P.O. BOX 908
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS 61702-0908
