Gilbert Education Foundation

Our mission is to enrich, support, and promote innovation for the students and teachers of the Gilbert Public School District. Founded in 2001, the Gilbert Education Foundation (GEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Over the last 19 years, through events, grants, donations and corporate sponsors GEF have raised and contributed nearly $2.0 MM to students, staff and programs in Gilbert Public Schools (GPS). We do this through the following programs:

S.H.A.N.E Program - Sharing, Helping and Nurturing Everyone - This is GEF's social services program which sets us apart from other education foundations, and contributes in an impactful way. Requests for our program have increased by over 100% due to the COVID-19 crisis. This program helps those families in the district and hourly employees in our district who have been laid off or experiencing reduced income. This program provides funding for emergency help for housing, food, clothing, day care and utilities.

Classroom Innovation Grants - To help alleviate the district budget constraints we fund additional innovative learning opportunities for GPS students that might not otherwise be available to them. Each year, educators apply for grants up to $1,500 to fund innovative technology and equipment, specialized curriculums, programs, and enrichment that impact as many students as possible.

Scholarship Program - Each spring the Foundation awards high school seniors college scholarships and educators funding for their professional development. GEF raises money to fund scholarships in addition to managing donor scholarships. One of the most long-lasting legacies an individual or organization can leave is the gift of education and opportunity. Through our scholarship program, we can set up a specific scholarship bearing a corporate name or in honor/memory of a special person or specific organization and handle the processing of the scholarship depending upon the donors wishes.

S.T.E.M. Education - To increase STEM education within the district GEF partners with businesses to help fund programs such as Project Lead the Way which is an extensive Science, Technology, Engineering and Math curriculum (STEM). Funding is granted for programs that fall under this category as our funding permits.

Varsity Letter Volunteerism Program - One of GEF's initiatives is to build a stronger community though this student platform. Our Varsity Letter in Volunteerism program encourages GPS students to volunteer throughout the valley. For every 200 hours of volunteer time, students receive a varsity letter. This provides an avenue for students to earn a letter other than through academics or athletics and gives them valuable experience while giving back to our community.

Testimonials

From 2016 through 2019 We have made the following impact within the Gilbert Public School District. GEF has distributed:
$104k in social services (S.H.A.N.E. Program) for families of the Gilbert school district and employees in need. This includes, food, clothing, housing, utilities and other emergency services.
$105k directly back to the classrooms for innovation grants.
$93k in college scholarships for GPS seniors.
$87k in funding for STEM education within the Gilbert Public Schools.
$173k in enrichment to fund STEM education and other educational opportunities within the Gilbert Public Schoools.

Join us in helping the Gilbert community! Your help is needed now more than ever. We appreciate you!