FWCS Foundation - About

The purpose of the FWCS Foundation as stated is to generate and distribute financial resources to and for Fort Wayne Community Schools in support of the Mission and Vision of FWCS. The Mission of FWCS is to "educate all students to high standards enabling them to become productive, responsible citizens. "The Vision of FWCS is to "be the school system of choice and a source of community pride. At the core of the Foundation’s existence is its desire to see FWCS achieve and maintain academic excellence, striving to eliminate the achievement gap among all groups of students by maximizing the achievement of all.

Question: How do I donate to the FWCS Foundation?

Answer: You can Donate to the FWCS Foundation Here

Question: When was the FWCS Foundation created?

Answer: The Articles of Incorporation were first filed with the Indiana Secretary of State on September 7, 1993. The original corporation name was the Urban Public Schools Fund, Inc. and it was changed to the FWCS Foundation, Inc. on February 20, 1995.

Question: Is the FWCS Foundation legal separate from Fort Wayne Community Schools?

Answer: Yes, the Foundation is legally separate from FWCS and is organized as a not-for-profit corporation. The Foundation is classified by the IRS as a public charity under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS currently recognizes the Foundation as exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Form 990-EZ has been filed as required (2007 was the first year it was necessary). Annual filings with the Indiana Secretary of State and Department of Revenue are current.

Question: Who is serving as the current Board of Directors?

Answer: Brian Bauer, Cheri Becker, Kenny Bergle, Clifford Clarke, Michelle Kearns, Rick Kinney, Pete Mallers, Dr. Scott Miller, Steve Piekarski, Kathy Rogers, Dan Ross and Paul Spoelhof, Sarah Strimmenos, Tom Trent

Question: Who are the current Officers?

Answer: Tom Trent, president; Michelle Kearns, secretary; Sarah Strimmenos, treasurer.

Question: How many members should serve on the Board of Directors according to the Bylaws?

Answer: Per the bylaws, the Board shall consist of no fewer than five and no greater than nine members.

Question: Are the funds of the FWCS Foundation kept separate from Fort Wayne Community Schools?

Answer: The Foundation has a separate bank account and money market account. The accounting transactions are not recorded on the books for FWCS.

Question: How will funds raised by the Foundation be used?

Answer: Funds will be used to support educational programs that are proving to be successful and to fund innovation in new programs or educational tools that have the potential to help FWCS achieve academic improvements. The Foundation Board was focused on raising funds for the "b Instrumental" program, which will provide musical instruments to students in 7^th grade to use through 12^th grade, increase use of technology advancements in music classes, provide music teacher professional development and provide students with small group or individualized instruction and summer camp. With this capital campaign completed successfully, the Foundation is raising funds for the Teacher Grant Program, which will encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative instructional practices that will increase student achievement.

Question: How will funds be raised?

Answer: The FWCS Foundation Board raises funds by soliciting individual donors, corporate donors and foundations.

Question: Do other school districts have foundations that raise funds for academic purposes?

Answer: Yes. School districts across the country have active foundations that successfully raise funds. Some notable examples include the Denver Public Schools Foundation in Colorado, the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska, the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools in Oklahoma, the Plano Independent School District Education Foundation in Texas and the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation in Maryland. In Indiana, Washington Township Schools, New Albany-Floyd County Schools, Indianapolis Public Schools, Lawrence Township Schools and Brownsburg Community Schools are just a few examples of districts with active foundations.

Question: What type of activities has the FWCS Foundation been involved in since the beginning?

Answer: No significant activity took place until 2006 when the 150th Birthday for FWCS was celebrated. The Foundation processed about $29,000 in income and expenses related to the birthday celebration. In 2007, the Foundation agreed to receive donations for the care of Dustin Faurote, a Northrop student injured in an accident. In 2007, we also received and spent donations for the yellow petition fund and for a North Side H.S. alumni memorial. Since 2007, nothing significant has occurred until the current fund drive. Active fundraising for b Instrumental and now the Teacher Grant Program began in 2017.