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The Eugene Education Foundation wants to raise nearly $1.4 million, two to three times what is has historically raised annually. The group gave away $200,166 in grants in August to schools for various projects.
The Eugene Education Foundation has ambitious fundraising goals this year.
In response to budget cuts facing Eugene School District 4J, the foundation’s new goal is to raise $1,375,000 — more than double what the group historically has raised each year.
“With inevitable changes ahead, we’re positioning ourselves to meaningfully support and supplement the opportunities that could otherwise disappear — many that make students excited to come to school and help them discover their passions and potential,” Laura Brown, the foundation’s executive director, said in an email.
District leaders projected in the spring that they will need to cut an additional $27.5 million next year. The foundation’s funds already play a significant role in helping the district’s most underserved students. With unprecedented budget cuts ahead, the foundation will continue focusing on projects that foster student belonging at school.
This year’s enrichment grants
The Eugene Education Foundation gave more than $200,000 in grants to schools in August.
Split between 67 projects districtwide, the $200,166 will fund efforts to expand opportunities for students with disabilities; provide arts, science and reading materials; and fund programs for kids from historically under-represented groups. The highest total grant money the foundation has disbursed in the past five years was $243,318 in 2021-22.
“These grants showcase what’s possible when our community rallies behind our students,” Brown said in a statement about the enrichment grants.
The grants cover expenses ranging from $10,000 for the district’s elementary summer school program to $320 for an elementary school’s programming that brings students with and without disabilities together.
More than $29,000 will go to books — bilingual books, neurodiversity-affirming books, Oregon Battle of the Books titles, and books that will expand a library’s genres. Nearly $50,000 will go to arts and science projects.
Grant committee members chose grant winners through a blind scoring process, which prioritizes higher-needs schools in the district. This year, the foundation received more than 90 applications for grants. A full list of 2026 projects and grant awards can be found on the foundation’s website.
Filling gaps for essential services, supplies
The Eugene Education Foundation self-identifies as the “community fundraising arm for the 4J school district.” Founders started the philanthropic entity in 1993 to expand the district’s resources beyond its allotted budget after Measure 5 changed how Oregon schools were funded. Bethel School District and Springfield Public Schools also have foundations that serve the same purpose.
Eugene’s foundation employs an executive director and assistant director and relies on the work of several volunteers. Members historically raise between $300,000 and $500,000 a year to fund grants and other initiatives.
As 4J grapples with rising costs, enrollment decline and loss of COVID-era funding, Brown emphasized the importance of the foundation’s work in keeping students engaged and attending school.
“Education is so much more than academics,” Brown said. “With only about 65% of 4J students attending school regularly, I often wonder: ‘What makes students want to come to school?’”
The foundation already raised $12,000 for elementary school supplies through a summer fundraising effort in response to 2025 budget cuts. This money will be available for all elementary schools to use this year.
