THE FOUNDATION FOR LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS INC

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. supports all teachers and students in Lee County Public Schools with innovative programs and initiatives that create opportunities to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of our teachers and students.
These distinctive and varied programs focus on teacher recognition, quality teacher training, and student achievement. Additionally, we provide programs and initiatives that foster academic achievement, positive social skills, and self-esteem for our students who are at-risk.
Public education faces many obstacles including an increase in student population and a decrease in dollars to support them. Our goal is to meet that challenge with special programs and initiatives that address those needs and many of the Foundation's programs support at-risk children.
One of our major educational supports is for the advancement of STEM-related educational opportunities for our students. This program helps educate students on the importance of having the skills and knowledge to be successful in today's high-tech, information-driven, global marketplace. Students participate in hands-on activities with STEM-related business leaders to prepare them for a future career in this field. Additionally, we aim to support students and encourage them to graduate from high school and attend either college or technical training, ensuring their future success.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. was established in 1986 by a diverse group of local business and community leaders to enhance the quality of public education in Lee County by increasing community involvement in, and support for, Lee County public schools. The purpose of every initiative of the Foundation is to create and enhance opportunities for our public school students and teachers. Our goals are accomplished by providing many distinctive programs and resources to Lee County students and educators. Many of our programs address the needs of low-performing and at-risk students.
The Foundation has been serving the Lee County Public School students and educators for twenty-nine years. We have a strong relationship with the Lee County School District as they support our efforts to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County.
We have strong support from the corporate community and individual donors, and our supporters believe in the programs we have initiated. The community provides additional support of our initiatives with volunteer hours and resources. We are constantly updating our strategic planning, adding pertinent staff, increasing community awareness, and enhancing the Foundation's current and future status with the full support of our Board of Directors.
The Foundation has strong partnerships with many of the area's strongest and largest corporations such as Publix Supermarket, Chico's FAS, Suncoast Credit Union and The News-Press Media Group. Several members of our Board of Directors are representatives of the community's major corporations including Bank of America, Florida Gulf Coast University, FineMark National Bank & Trust, Lee Memorial Health System, GATES Construction, and Florida SouthWestern State College.
Our strategy is to continue our strong relationship with our local businesses who support education and are willing to share their time, treasures, and talent to ensure that Lee County students receive the best education possible.

Our Foundation is capable of supporting the Lee County Public School District with funding and programs established by our staff, Board of Directors, and community partners. With more than thirty million dollars in support, we will continue our efforts to grow our organization and meet the needs of our ever-growing school population. With more than 92,000 students to serve, we believe that education is everyone's responsibility, and we will continue to seek funding opportunities and partnerships to ensure our students are well-educated and equipped to meet the needs of an ever-changing global economy.

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has grown since its inception in 1986, starting with a staff of three people and currently employing thirteen full-time staff members. Our programs have increased in number and population served, with a current annual budget of 1.9 million dollars in revenue.
In 2010, our Foundation was recognized, out of 67 Florida counties, as having the most growth and sustainability of all Take Stock in Children programs.
Other awards that demonstrate our progress in the community are:
In 2015, we received the Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency. Charity Navigator is an independent, non-profit organization that evaluates American charities by rating the financial health of that entity.

In 2012 and 2014, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. was named as one of the top 20 Education Foundations in the nation by Dewey and Associates, Inc.

In 2013, the Foundation received the Chrysalis Award in Education from the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau for excellence in partnering with tourism & business.

- 2014 – 2018: Take Stock in Children Gold Level status
- 2017: Gulf Shore Business: Best of Business Award, in the Best Charity category
- 2016 – 2018: Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency
- 2014 – 2018: GuideStar Exchange Gold Seal rating for commitment to transparency
- 2016 – 2019: GuideStar Platinum Status
- 2018: Great Nonprofits – Top-Rated
- 2019: Great Nonprofits – Top-Rated

Progress Accomplishments:
- 2016 – 2017: Charity Navigator 4-star rating for financial efficiency, sustainability, and information transparency
- 2017: Gulf Shore Business: Best of Business Award, in the Best Charity category
- 2016 – 2020: GuideStar Platinum Status
- 2018-2020 Greater Nonprofits 5 Star Gold Rating
- 2020 – SouthWest Florida Inc. Best Non-profit finalist