How to Start a Local Education Foundation in Oklahoma
This site offers a wealth of information about how to start a Local Education Foundation (LEF). If you have additional questions after reviewing the following information, please contact Karen Rose, director of LEF Outreach, at (918) 743-5533 or e-mail krose@ofe.org.
Characteristics of a Successful Local Education Foundation
- Well informed and enthusiastic board members
- Programs that meet the needs of the schools and community
- Well articulated goals and an action plan for their implementation
- Good working relationship with the school administration
- Fundraising efforts annually or biennially that increase the endowment
- Acceptable accounting practices and an annual audit
- Publicity that informs contributors and community of needs and successes
- Consistent recognition of grant recipients and contributors
- Permanent mailing address in the form of a separate P.O. Box
About Formation
- 21 steps to organizing a local education foundation
- Sample brochure
- Title 70, Section 5-145 of the Oklahoma Statutes
- Attorney General's Opinion 98-25 re LEF/public school relationships
- Timeline for establishing a foundation
Getting Started: Legal Filings, Bylaws, and Foundation Structure
- IRS Filing Notes
- Sample Bylaws (RTF, 62K)
- Bartlesville: Comprehensive Plan for 1987-1992, including mission statement, foundation organization, committee structure and activity plans, and funding programs
- Edmond: Revised Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws; Table of Contents page from Trustee Notebook; 1992 long-range planning report; Officer and committee responsibilities with fundraising and grant-making calendar
- Clinton: Procedures and Guidelines
- Blackwell: Committee Responsibilities
- Statement of Support from Claremore Board of Education
Grants-to-Teachers Programs and the Allocations Process
- Copy of grant application form from Clinton
- Grants to Teachers: 1995 Fall Forum Publication
- Grant & New Program Ideas: 1997 Fall Forum Publication
Fundraising
- Claremore fundraising packet
- Sample fundraising letter to business prospect
- Fundraising Events: 1996 Fall Forum Publication
Public Information and Publicity
- Public information ideas for education foundations
- Tips on getting your message in the newspaper
- Building public awareness for your foundation
- Sample press release for Fall Forum attendees
Accounting and Auditing
- Accounting and auditing steps in setting up a local foundation
- Edmond's investment policy