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

The mission of the Petaluma Educational Foundation is to improve the quality of education for all 13,000 students from 37 Petaluma area schools, public and not-for-profit private schools, from kindergarten through high school through Grants, Scholarships and Fine Arts Programs.

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 $1,667,172 to teachers, administrators and parents to fund projects not covered in the school budget. The purpose of the PEF Grant program is to reward innovative academic programs and foster excellence in education for all Petaluma area students.

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 2009, we awarded $194,300 in scholarships to seniors graduating from all five Petaluma high schools.  

Fine Arts Programs: Each spring and fall, PEF brings to Petaluma, at no charge to the schools, live theater and/or music performances.  

Endowed Funds: PEF manages over $3,200,000 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  (9/11/10)
Giants Night (spring 2011)
Golf Marathon (June, 2011)  

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                                

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