History of the District 39 Educational Foundation

The District 39 Educational Foundation has been incorporated as a nonprofit organization since 1993. We are an independent volunteer group which receives no financial compensation for our work. We are solely responsible for raising and granting funds for projects which expand, enrich and complement educational opportunities for the students, staff and community in District 39. We provide programs and materials that our community is not able to fund with tax dollars alone.

The Foundation’s Mission Statement

  • Promote educational innovation and excellence
  • Encourage community involvement and support for education
  • Challenge educators to raise their aspirations for educational programs
  • Increase students’ global awareness and understanding of human diversity
  • Expand opportunities for students to fulfill their varied interests and talents　

(9 minute video describing the mission and projects of the foundation)

History of Gripp Grant Program

Our grant program, named in memory of teacher and Foundation board member Phyllis Gripp, accepts applications twice a year, on October 15th and again on February 15th. This program has always been the backbone of the Foundation’s work and has been a dynamic force in bringing equipment, innovation, and new dimensions to the District 39 curriculum. Applications are available on this website, at each of the schools, at the Mikaelian Education Center.

Since its inception, the Foundation is proud to have given nearly $810,000 in direct grants to District 39 Public Schools and to other organizations such as the Wilmette Public Library, the Wilmette Historical Society, Parents Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and the Wilmette Community Relations Commission. When adding in the State of Illinois grant which the Foundation helped procure for the Junior High auditorium project, our improvements and innovations total nearly $1.3 million. With the support and hard work of many individuals, the District 39 Educational Foundation has made a significant difference in Wilmette schools.

Sam Mikaelian Fine Arts Fund

The District 39 Educational Foundation sponsors complimentary cultural arts events for the community through our Sam Mikaelian Fine Arts Fund. This special endowment was created in 1998 in honor of the retiring superintendent’s 31 years of exceptional service to the District. In 2000, our Sam Mikaelian Fine Arts event showcased internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton. In 2002, our featured artistic performers were Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and in 2004, the community was entertained by four stage actors singing and dancing popular Broadway tunes in Broadway Ballyhoo. Our 2006 event featured the Holy Goat Ensemble and the Jubilate Children’s choir presenting the music of West Africa. In connection with both of these community performances, the Foundation sponsored related in-school performances and/or workshops.

How We Raise Funds

Our primary means of fund-raising is through individual and corporate donations. The Foundation also engages in a variety of fund-raising activities to enhance these donations. In 2002, 2004 and again in 2006, we sponsored two performances of the Kelly Miller Circus. In 2001, the Foundation hosted a private movie showing of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” We have “sold” auditorium seats, served up cooking demonstrations by master chef Charlie Trotter, and hosted basketball games between the Chicago Bears and the D39’ers. We’ve launched cash raffles and even a golf outing.

Organization

The Foundation is operated by a self-perpetuating board of trustees (up to  in number) who also volunteer their time to do the work of the foundation.  Trustees are also designated to maintain a special connection between the foundation and the schools. A part-time assistant maintains the day-to-day operations of the foundation.  If you are interested in this rewarding service opportunity, contact us. Trustees for 2006-2007

Records of minutes and finances