Education Foundation

Students working on art project Student raising hand

The Avondale Education Foundation Mission

The Avondale Education Foundation’s mission is to support student development, promote excellence through creative teaching, and foster community/school partnerships by securing and allocating financial and other resources to create and/or expand education related enrichment projects and programs offered throughout the Avondale School District.

Avondale Education Foundation Board of Directors

  • Annette McAvoy, President
  • Diane Baldwin, VP of Fund Development
  • Tina Abbate-Marzolf, Secretary
  • Tom Delpup, Treasurer
  • James V. Schwarz, Ph.D. Avondale School District Superintendent
  • Don Ingersoll, Ex-Officio
  • Katharine Clar
  • Chloe Green
  • Chip Tischer
  • Andrea Yamarino

Avondale Education Foundation - Our Story

In the early 1990s, community leaders and the Avondale School District believed that there were businesses, organizations and citizens that would be inclined to help enrich the Avondale school experience if there was a way for them to do that.

Schools are not classified as "charities" under the IRS tax code, so it was impossible to make tax-deductible donations to schools.  In addition, there was a fear that potential donors would feel that direct donations to the District might just be absorbed into the budget, rather than providing special benefits over and above the "normal" program. With this in mind, an ad hoc community-based group, assisted by the District, evaluated potential options, and created the Avondale Education Foundation (AEF) in 1992 as a 501(c) 3 charity. From the beginning, the AEF has sought to create an environment in which students and staff can dream and have reasonable hope that their dreams can come true.

Since its founding, the AEF has raised over $200,000 for scholarships, grants and special projects for Avondale students.  But beyond the monetary donations, our kids have had their dreams advanced with scholarships, life-changing experiences and creative learning opportunities.  Teachers have also advanced their dreams of creating new ways to trigger kids' imaginations and get them excited about learning.

Over 200 grants have been awarded, enabling dreamers to dream even during difficult economic times.  Every grade and building in the school district has been touched, as well as future kindergarteners and students with special needs.

Life without dreams is dull.  Life without dreamers monotonous.  The Foundation won't let that happen.

Don Ingersoll
Founding Member, Historian

Scholarships, Grants & Designated Funding

  • S.T.R.I.V.E. (Scholarship to Recognize Individuals Valuing Education)

    Provides scholarships to students with a grade point average between 2.0 and 3.0 who are motivated to further their education.

  • Janet Davison Visual Arts Scholarship

    Provides scholarships to the first-place winners of the annual Senior Art Exhibition.

  • Michael Carter Soccer Scholarship

    Provides annual scholarships to students involved in soccer.

  • Schodowski Art Scholarship

    Provides scholarships for AHS Art students to continue their study in the field of Art after graduation.

  • George Cooper Art Award

    Provides $200 award to the student earning 2nd place at the AHS Art Show.

  • The Avondale Excellence Scholarship

    Provides $2500 scholarship for a graduating senior to support attendance at a four-year college.

  • Dare to Dream Grants

     Provides funding for teacher-designed classroom initiatives that benefit students across all grade levels and all areas of the curriculum.

    • All Girls MS Robotics
    • Super Heroes Unite!
    • Apps for Autism
    • Education Games for Summer Busy Bees
    • ESL iPads
    • Bouncing for Success
    • Bridge Buddies
    • Avondale Academy College Readiness
    • Girls on the Run
    • Special Services Calming Swing
    • VEX Robotics Team
    • Math Skill Building Web Program
    • Special Olympics Track Suits
    • Poetry Notebooks
    • ESL Parent Connect Program
    • Elementary Playworks
    • RAZ Reading Program
    • High School Art Workshop
    • SKILL Farmers Market Project
    • Bringing History Alive
    • Elementary Touch Tank
    • Gel Boards
    • Special Needs Toy Lending Library
    • Elementary Science Kits

Avondale Education Foundation Events

Train conductor blowing whislte

The A-Train Show

Climb aboard for a great day of family fun celebrating all things “train”.

Student wearing a hat

Hat Day

For a $1 donation, students have the chance to wear a special hat to school for a day.

Drawing of comic book characters

Avondale Comicon & Anime

Check back for details!

Avondale Education Foundation FAQs

  • Who runs the Avondale Education Foundation?

    A volunteer Board of Directors that represent the Avondale community are responsible for determining mission driven activities, setting program policy, raising and distributing funds, and program oversight and development.

  • How can I help?

    You can help continue the work of the foundation when you: (1) Make a donation; (2) Volunteer to participate in committee, fundraising activities, or as a member of the Board of Directors; (3) Identify new opportunities for partnerships with local businesses and individuals; and (4) Spread the word to friends and family about the mission of the Avondale Education Foundation.

  • How can I be sure my money goes where I donate?

    General donations and/or donations that are designated to a specific scholarship or activity fund are gratefully accepted. The Foundation will also accept designated contributions to initiate new, innovative programs provided the donation is in line with the mission and authorized by the Board of Directors. The Foundation operates under strict state guidelines using internal control procedures and securing an annual independent audit.

  • Are donations tax-deductible?

    Yes, the Avondale Education Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization and donations are tax-deductible.