HISTORY

In 1982, a group of teachers, business leaders and community activists in Petaluma convened to develop funding solutions for area schools in response to major budget deficits throughout the California school system. The outcome was the creation of the Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF), a privately funded, non-profit organization whose primary goal is to raise money in the community to benefit education.   

MISSION

Every child has a dream. Petaluma Educational Foundation creates community partnerships to fulfill  these dreams. PEF Grant and Scholarship programs enhance and enrich the academic experience of more than 13,000 students in Petaluma’s 36 public and not-for-profit private schools, from kindergarten through high school.

We believe in them. We empower them. We invest in their future. 

FUNDING

PEF receives no public funding. The Foundation raises funds from individuals, corporations and foundations. In addition, PEF manages Alphabet Soup, a thrift store located in downtown Petaluma. All proceeds from Alphabet Soup benefit the Foundation.

PROGRAMS

PEF Enrichment and Major Impact Grants:  Since 1983, PEF has given $1,847,621 to teachers, administrators and parents to fund projects not covered in the school budget. The purpose of the PEF Grant program is to reward academic programs that demonstrate the capability of making a major impact with measurable results.

Scholarships for High School Graduates:  The Petaluma Educational Foundation is honored to manage 48 Scholarship Programs for donors who provide the Foundation with clear criteria for selecting recipients. In 2011, we awarded 266 scholarships worth $183,400 to seniors graduating from all seven Petaluma high schools. Since 1990, PEF has awarded $1,864,000 in scholarships.

Endowed Funds:Endowed Funds: PEF manages over $3,800,000 in component and endowed funds with clear directions as to how the funds will benefit the school(s) in Petaluma.

Support our children when they need you most!   With funding for our schools uncertain, the role PEF plays is more important than ever.

Opportunities exist for all levels of support including:
Donate

“Fund the Future” Donations for PEF Grants Corporate Sponsorship of PEF Fundraising Events Endowments to Establish Educational Programs or Scholarships  

Have Fun and Make a Difference

The Bash, PEF’s Annual Fundraiser  (9/10/2011)
PEF Week (September 10-17, 2011)
Giants Night (spring 2012)
Golf Marathon (June, 2012))  

Be Involved/Volunteer/Donate  

“Friends of PEF”: all volunteers welcome!

Alphabet Soup: volunteer/shop/donate/

 Grants | Scholarship | Endowed funds | Support our children | Donate | The Bash | Friends | Soup                                

Friend us on FaceBook for Fun, Up-to-date Discussions on Educational Issues and Fundraising Opportunities. Get to Know Petaluma Educational Fundation from the Inside.