STEPS IN STARTING AN LEF          

Below are the basic steps in establishing a local education foundation. For detailed information and resources email CCEF at: ccef@cceflink.org

Establish a core leadership group

Define your reason for Being

Share your plans with school and community leaders

File for tax-exempt status

Develop by-laws

Recruit a board that reflects your community

Establish committees and draft policies

Develop a priority project list and an allocations process

Create a fundraising plan and outline --identifying your unique resources

Raise funds and friends through foundation activities

Celebrate your success and evaluate your progress

Contact CCEF for Starting an Education Foundation, a booklet based on our 25 years of experiences. The cost is $24 including shipping

CCEF offers "Education Foundation Fundamentals" a one-day intensive workshop with a comprehensive foundation guide. Next training is November 15 in San Jose. Contact CCEF for details.

JOINING CCEF

Fees and Application

Established in 1982, the California Consortium of Education Foundations (CCEF) strengthens public education by facilitating the creation, growth, and effectiveness of local education foundations (LEFs).  A statewide nonprofit, CCEF serves as the voice of California’s education foundation movement, promoting the benefits of LEFs in interviews with the media and through outreach to local, state, and national organizations.  CCEF promotes sharing and collaborating between education foundations and with other community-based organizations.  CCEF believes that LEFs are in a unique position to identify and secure important community resources in support of local schools.  CCEF operates upon the one constant found in all studies of public education - parent and community involvement is critical to improving public schools.

CCEF’s services to local education foundations include:

Conference and capacity building workshops

Technical assistance to help create, grow, and revitalize LEFs

Access to LEF references and referrals

Updates via written and electronic communications