Facts
Facts
Ripon Education Foundation Facts
What is the Ripon Education Foundation?
The Ripon Education Foundation is a non-profit corporation established in 1997. The Foundation was formed by citizens in the Ripon Area School District with interest in supporting excellence in academics and innovative educational opportunities.
What is the Ripon Education Foundation Mission?
To enrich learning for Ripon Students, encourage excellence and innovation in learning, support postsecondary opportunities for graduates, and strengthen the ties between the Ripon community and the Ripon Area School District.
How much has the Ripon Education Foundation dispersed since its inception?
● 391 scholarship awards totaling more than $236,300
● 86 Innovative Grants totaling more than $66,000
● 40 Program grants totaling more than $345,700 to Ripon Area School District
What is the annual Community Scholarship Drive?
Each year the Ripon Education Foundation grants scholarships to deserving college-bound students. The scholarships help them with the costs associated with attending two- and four-year colleges. The spring Community Scholarship Drive is a door-to-door campaign conducted by Ripon students in grades 9-12. All of the money collected is awarded as scholarships to college-bound seniors.
Who is eligible for a scholarship?
All Ripon High School Seniors are eligible to apply for Ripon Education Foundation scholarships if they are enrolling in an accredited college.
What types of activities does the Ripon Education Foundation sponsor?
The Foundation provides funding for the following programs: college scholarships for students, Jennie Long elementary student tutoring program, mini-grants for innovative teaching initiatives, Ripon Reads community coalition, Ripon High School reunion coordinator, elementary Art Presenter program, special projects needed by the school district and Great Conversations fundraising dinner.
Who makes decisions for the Ripon Education Foundation?
A Board of Directors, consisting of 12 to 15 volunteers, meets monthly to direct the activities and make decisions for the Foundation. Board members serve three-year terms.
How is the Ripon Education Foundation funded?
The Foundation relies entirely on contributions. Because of its status as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable corporation, all contributions are tax-deductible.
Who manages the Education Foundation’s money?
The Ripon Education Foundation has a partnership with the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. The Oshkosh Area Community Foundation’s professional financial staff manages the funds of the Ripon Education Foundation. All donor records and proof for tax deductions are maintained by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. All decisions for spending money are made by the Board of Directors of the Ripon Education Foundation.
What is the relationship between the Ripon Area School District and the Foundation?
The Ripon Education Foundation serves as the non-profit fundraising organization for the Ripon Area School District. Gifts to the Foundation benefit and support Ripon Area School District students, teachers, and initiatives. The Ripon Education Foundation is an independent charitable organization and makes its own decisions based on its goals and bylaws. In accordance with the Foundation’s bylaws, the Board of Education has one non-voting representative. Additionally, the District’s superintendent of schools is a non-voting member and serves as board secretary.