• A not for profit organization governed by a volunteer board of trustees
• Chartered by the State of Illinois
• Qualified as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization under Internal Revenue Code

• Incorporated in 1992
• Established to acquire and distribute financial resources, materials and services that shall be used for programs and projects that enhance or supplement educational programs and provide enriched educational opportunities for learners

The Foundation serves as a vehicle for obtaining resources to support educational initiatives not funded by regular revenue sources. These resources can come from the following:

• Tax-free donations of cash
• Donations of materials and/or services
• Bequests, memorials, etc.
• Contributions restricted to specific schools, memorial programs, or activities
• Fundraising activities such as a golf outing, a breakfast program, and employee and parent contribution programs

• Grants for teacher-designed lessons/projects
• Grants supporting faculty efforts to increase multi-cultural understanding
• Grants supporting faculty efforts to increase student use of technology
• Grants supporting fine arts programs, projects
• One-time assistance for students in need of specialized materials/programs
• Annual grants supporting innovative, one-time projects selected by principals

Vision - Encourage creativity, innovation, and excellence in our schools – It’s all about the students.

Mission - The Naperville Education Foundation seeks financial and other resources through fund raising and community partnerships to support program goals. We serve as a vehicle through which donors can fund appropriate projects, grants, and scholarships for the Naperville school community. We are focused on encouraging creativity, providing enriched opportunities for learners, and assuring that all students have the opportunity to maximize their individual and collective potential.

Critical success factors include:

• Promoting development for all learners at all ages
• Encouraging faculty and student creativity and innovation
• Facilitating school/community/business collaboration
• Seeking financial resources and facilitating planned giving and memorial gifts
• Investing in and seeding new projects

The Trustees Will

• Participate in raising funds each year.
• Promote “Excellence in Education.”
• Support an interaction between the schools and the community including administrators, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, students and friends.
• Support the education plan of District 203.
• Seek the input and advice of the faculty, staff, and financial supporters.
• Maintain an accurate accounting of our finances and meet all the obligations associated with a non-profit charitable organization.
• Support the Vision and Mission of the Naperville Education Foundation.
• Commit to continued growth and development.
• Provide personal funds and time to reach our goals.
  

The Naperville Education Foundation supports several memorial programs.

• The independently established Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy is administered by the Foundation
• Memorial funds and awards established by schools in honor of deceased students, parents, or employees are administered by the Foundation.

Although the Naperville Education Foundation operates independently from Naperville Community Unit School District 203, its trustees work closely with the Board of Education and the district administration in assessing needs and developing ways to support creative teaching and enrichment programs.  The administration and the school board are represented on the NEF Board of Trustees. Trustees solicit suggestions from school personnel, alumni, members of the Naperville Home & School Association, the business community, and the community at large.