Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation

Our goals are to elevate the excellence in Champaign and Urbana public schools by investing in educators and students. Our goals and initiatives include support for six basic areas of skill development and interest:

1) Fine or performing arts
2) Science,technology, engineering,art and math or STEAM
3) Health and wellness
4) Early literacy (pre-school through 3rd grade)
5) Languages (ESL and foreign)
6) Career and technical education for students

Our strategies include;

Awareness raising opportunities:

1) 365 Club Breakfast where our teaches and students share the impact of our grant programs with our 365 Club Members and interested community members. Former Board Chairs are invited to attend and be recognized.
2) Distinguished Alumni Gala where we recognized outstanding alumni from our three high schools who have made an impact in their communities beyond high school.
3) Prize patrol activities where our board members go out to our schools and award large grant checks to our grant recipients.
4) Open House at Fowler Farm to demonstrate the impact of grant funds on students and teachers--and build more engagement with community partnerships.
4) Busey Youth Run and Mile at the Pines encourage healthy fun run participation for children and families alike. A portion of the proceeds are donated to CUSF.
5) Donor cultivation and outreach at private and public gatherings to raise awareness and deepen connections to the foundations' mission.

Teacher Appreciation:
1) Spring Fling Celebration recognizing teacher work throughout the year with food/beverages and raffles
2) Peer Recognition awards given to an outstanding teacher from each district. These Cupcake Awards are given in conjunction with the Napleton's Teacher of the Year Awards (six $1,000 awards for an elementary, middle and high school teacher from each district).

Student Excellence Awards/Scholarships:
CUSF award 11 different scholarships and over $15,000 in funds annually to our three high school student populations. Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria including on academic, service, athletic and overall excellence.

We are using public speaking, school visits, radio, tv and print interviews, our website, Constant Contact , Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linked in to reach a wide range of audiences interested in supporting our mission.

Our budget is balanced with income exceeding expenses.
Our overall projections for income development depend on increasing engagement and the number of 365 Club Members and local donations to our various scholarship and program funds.
100% of our Board is contributing financially
We are supporting Teachers and Students who most community members want to see succeed in building a stronger community and work force.

We doubled our attendance at our 365 Club Breakfast
We doubled our sponsorship dollars at our Gala
Our social media engagement has increased by 500 followers in less than a year
Our annual appeal has generated more support than in the year preceding
A teacher appreciation event has been created
Teacher leadership is being cultivated through our Grant Champions program
Community partnerships are growing and expanding by number and depth