History

The New Haven Schools Foundation was established in 1981 to provide an alternative source of funding for co-curricular programs in the New Haven Unified School District. In its early years, the Foundation provided much of the initial funding for a cutting-edge technology program that made New Haven a model for California school districts.

In its first year, the Foundation launched a scholarship program that continues today. Seed money from the Foundation helped start James Logan High School’s nationally recognized forensics program and the school’s championship marching band, and the Foundation also contributed to Logan’s top-ranked athletic teams.

To mark the year 2000, the Foundation embarked on a “Millennium Fund” drive to raise $1 million to provide for future needs. An endowment fund of $249,000 was raised, and efforts continue to reach the million-dollar milestone that will secure the future of key programs. Interest and dividends from the endowment contribute to funding for our current programs.

The Foundation also administers an annual grant program that provides funding for innovative classroom and enrichment programs. The Brian Kelly Memorial Fund provides for tutoring and literacy programs. The Virginia Swihart Memorial Fund raises money to help support beginning teachers. Applications for project funding take place during the Spring of each year.

The awarding of scholarships to graduating seniors has continued since 1981. Today, the Foundation awards over $150,000 in scholarships annually through its “Pathways to Success” scholarship program. In 2019, a record was set after distributing over $1,018,000 in scholarships since 2007. Many of the scholarships are memorials, funded through endowments or contributions by family members and friends of former students, teachers, and administrators. Others are funded by employee groups, local businesses, service clubs, and individuals.

In October 2007, the Foundation became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and separated from the stewardship of the New Haven Unified School District. The new tax-exempt organization renewed its dedication to serving the needs of students and teachers in the New Haven Unified School District and adopted strategic plans to set a course for the future.

During the 2007-2008 academic year, the Foundation began supporting classroom instruction through its “Innovations in Education” teacher grant program. The Foundation puts money directly into specific school programs to pay for special activities that enhance the learning experience.

In 2009-2010, the Foundation launched “Project: Enrichment”, a grant program which was designed to support teachers, coaches, advisors, and others who help provide co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for New Haven students. In 2017, the STEM grant program was added.

What does the future hold? You can be part of it and help guide our work. Contact us for more information about how you can get involved in helping our students and schools.