ABOUT US
The Petaluma Educational Foundation (PEF) was established in 1982.
Our Mission: Every child has a dream. PEF creates community partnerships to fulfill these dreams. We believe in them. We empower them. Together, we invest in their future.
PEF Grant and Scholarship programs enhance and enrich the academic experience of more than 13,000 students annually in Petaluma’s 38 public, charter, and not-for-profit private schools. PEF receives no public funding. The Foundation raises funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations. In addition, PEF manages Alphabet Soup Benefit Thrift Stores located in the heart of downtown Petaluma. All proceeds from Alphabet Soup support the mission of PEF in our community. Petaluma Educational Foundation is designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organization. Our Tax ID is #94-2847212.
Since 1983, the PEF Impact Grant Program has given $3,382,665 to teachers, administrators, and parents to fund projects not covered in the school budget. The purpose of our annual Impact Grant Program is to reward innovative academic programs and foster excellence in education benefiting all Petaluma area students. In 2018 PEF awarded $238,471 in grants supporting in a variety of academic focus areas.
The Petaluma Educational Foundation is honored to manage 66 scholarship funds for donors through the PEF Scholarship Program. Donors provide the Foundation with clear criteria for selecting recipients. In 2018, PEF proudly to present a total of 315 awards to 227 students in the amount of $224,850 to seniors graduating from all seven Petaluma high schools. This, combined with our previous financial awards, brings the cumulative total to $3,357,235 awarded since the program started in 1990.
Programs
Grants for Schools
Scholarships for High School Graduates
Managed Funds
PEF manages over $4,304,310 in pool investment and endowed funds with clear directions as to how the funds will benefit the school(s) in Petaluma. We also manage component funds for school-related organizations and clubs. With funding for our schools uncertain, the role PEF plays is more important than ever.
Donate
- “Fund the Future” donations for PEF Impact Grants
- Annual and Event Partnerships
- Endowments to establish educational programs or scholarships
Be Involved/Volunteer/Donate
Alphabet Soup Thrift Stores: volunteer/shop/donate
Friends of PEF: all volunteers welcome!
PEF’s Annual Partners for Education
Positively impacting our teachers and students every day of the year!