BEYOND
THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION was formed in 1992 to fund innovative
enrichment programs for the students of Unit 5 and District 87 public
schools.
These programs extend the resources of the school districts, enabling
educators to go beyond standard classroom experiences.
Through private funding, the Foundation seeks to stimulate the
imagination of educators to conceive programs, which would not otherwise
be affordable.
"It takes an entire village to educate a child. "
African proverb
The recipients of these funds are educators whose creative and unique
ideas are launched into model programs that can be adapted for use
throughout the districts. These projects provide additional learning,
experiences for students that are not typically funded by normal tax
support.
WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL GOAL OF THE FOUNDATION?
BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is
working toward establishing an endowment fund by 2010 of $1,000,000
which will provide interest earnings to fund grants every year.
The on-going financial commitment of contributors to the Foundation can
enable our children and our community to become the best they can be.
"We must view young people not as empty bottles to
be filled, but as candles to be lit." Robert
H. Shaffer
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR AWARDING GRANTS?
Each winter, educators in both Unit 5 and District 87 are invited to
submit a written grant application which describes the project, method
of implementation, cost estimate and the value of the program to
students.
Applications are reviewed by the BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
Board of Directors and funding is awarded according to established
criteria. The selected programs are implemented in the following school
year.
"Parents cannot leave a better legacy to the world
than well-educated children." Unknown
WHAT KINDS OF ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED?
The objective of BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is to fund
innovative programs, which are not currently offered, that enhance
educational experiences.
The Foundation is committed to educational excellence in the core
academic areas, the arts and humanities, sciences, and technology. All
age levels and areas of study are considered.
HOW IS THE FOUNDATION STRUCTURED?
BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION is a not-for-profit Illinois
corporation. Its purpose is to provide a long-term, self-sustaining
financial base that will annually fund innovative academic programs in
Unit 5 and District 87 public schools.
All work is accomplished by volunteers who serve without salary as the
Board of Directors. Annually the Board elects officers and directors,
reviews policies and practices, evaluates the funded projects and
conducts a financial audit.
"Education will never become as expensive as
ignorance." Unknown
WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL
FOUNDATION AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS?
The Foundation is a group of private citizens, and is not part of either
school district. There is, of course, good communication and cooperation
between the BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION and both school
districts. The Boards of Education of Unit 5 and District 87 encouraged
the formation of the Foundation and strongly support its efforts...a
partnership for innovation in public
"Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly or
it vanished." Peter Drucker
"A child is a person who is going to carry on what you
have started." Abraham Lincoln
WHAT AWARD RECIPIENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT THE VALUE OF BEYOND THE BOOKS
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION GRANTS:
"I am excited to offer several literature-based, after-school
programs for the children at our school."
"Thank you for supporting educational programs which wouldn't have been
funded through traditional sources."
"Your funds provided me with skill, equipment, and expertise."
"Thanks for helping expand our writing program. Good communication
skills will benefit our students."
We offer opportunities for hands-on learning experiences for students in
our "People of the Talking Prairie Program."
"Thank you for the grant to educate area elementary students about
agricultural education. Agriculture affects everyone's life everyday."
"Funding our program will provide a positive role model for our
students.
"You will help our teachers encourage the joy of reading in our
children."
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION?
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Payment may be made by
check or credit card. An annual pledge or one time donation is
appreciated.
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Make an Honor donation
to commemorate a special person (child, teacher, parent) or occasion
(birthday, anniversary, graduation, retirement).
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Remember someone with a
Memorial gift.
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Name the Foundation in
a bequest, real estate gift or as a beneficiary on an insurance
policy. Consult your attorney if you need assistance.
WHERE DO I SEND MY DONATION?
Make checks payable to:
BEYOND THE BOOKS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
P.O. BOX 908
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS 61702-0908
