ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Our Mission
The mission of the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is to enhance the White Bear Lake Area School District's ability to provide excellence in education for all students.
Our Goals
To support educational programs and services in School District 624 by providing funds not available through local, state, or federal sources.
To involve the community in the support of high-quality public education.
To provide a perpetual source of funds through gifts from individuals, businesses, alumni, and other foundations.
To encourage student achievement and skill development, and support and recognize teachers for exemplary teaching.
Our History
Since its inception, the WBLAEF has:
Awarded more than $300,000 in teaching grants, encouraging creative and innovative ways to enhance curriculum.
Granted over $150,000 for teacher professional development.
Presented $330,000 in scholarships to graduates of our schools.
Touched hundreds of families by providing over $70,000 in financial assistance through the Angel Fund.
Granted over $22,000 fostering elementary art education.
Incorporated the White Bear Lake Area Alumni Association to help alumni stay connected.
Since 2014, provided $30,000 to community members, staff and students, encouraging initiatives around innovation, creativity, community and global projects.
Awarded $30,000 in grants to teachers, enhancing environmental experiences and awareness for students.
Our Five-Year Plan
After meeting our goal of raising $700,000 to establish an unrestricted endowment, the Foundation continues to set long term goals. Through our commitment to students, teachers, the District and community, the Foundation continues to be an outstanding resource for supplemental funds to support various educational initiatives in the District. The Foundation values service, educational excellence, innovation, enhancement and outreach to meet the needs of the District and community. With the support and involvement of families and businesses in this community and alumni from all over the country, the Foundation aspires to be a reason people will want to live and work in the School District and have their children graduate from the White Bear Lake Area School District.
Our By-Laws
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is a nonprofit Corporation organized under chapter 317A of Minnesota Statutes.
Why was the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation formed?
The Foundation was created in 1993 to provide a vehicle through which community members could contribute to the educational opportunities for students in White Bear Lake Area School District 624.
What is the purpose of the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation?
The primary purpose of the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is to solicit, manage and distribute supplemental funds for enrichment purposes and to create a perpetual source of funds for educational programs and projects which are not within the budgetary guidelines of White Bear Lake Area School District 624 or for which tax dollars cannot be expended. The programs funded will emphasize the Foundation's mission to enhance the ability of School District 624 to provide excellence in education to all students.
How is the Foundation funded?
Programs and activities of the Foundation are funded by donations, two major fundraisers the Foundation holds each year and income earned on investment capital. In-kind and monetary gifts are accepted from individuals, corporations and other foundations. Through gifts of cash, stocks, bonds and other assets, or with planned gifts such as a specific bequest in a will or a charitable trust, individuals can support the tradition of educational excellence found in the White Bear Lake Area Schools.
Are matching gifts from corporations and businesses accepted?
Yes, the Foundation gratefully accepts matching gifts from the employers of the Foundation's supporters. Individuals can check with their employer's human resources department regarding its procedures.
When are funds allocated?
Some programs are funded annually, while other programs are funded throughout the year, as determined by the Board of Directors.
Is the Foundation a subsidiary of School District 624?
No, the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation is an independent, non-profit corporation governed by its own Board of Directors, comprised of a cross section of the community, whose mission is to support the students and staff of the District. The Superintendent and a representative of the School Board of School District 624 serve on the Foundation Board.
Who makes the decision on how funds are allocated?
Members of the Board of Directors of the White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation determine how funds are allocated and awarded. Community volunteers are involved as committee members to make recommendations to the Board in some program areas.
What is the Legacy Fund
In furthering its mission to enhance the School District’s ability to provide excellence in education , the Foundation funds programs to support school initiatives which promote and foster that commitment to excellence. Our Legacy Fund was established to fund future programs. With a focus on Excellence in Teaching and Learning as well as Student Support and Recognition, the Foundation supports students in acquiring knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare them to be successful citizens of a global society. Educators within our district nurture innovation and create a culture that pushes students to do their best in today’s changing world. The Foundation is committed to seeing these innovations and initiatives benefit all students in the District.
The BEAR Grant is just one example of how the Legacy Fund supports students and educators in the District.