Community Cooperation Needed in Starting Foundation

Community cooperation is crucial in establishing a local educational foundation.

District residents will be called upon to fund the foundation, to serve on its board of directors and to share their with expertise in key areas.

The Public Education Fund Network, a national foundation that aids local schools in establishing tax exempt charitable organizations, also suggests forming a board of directors that includes a teacher, the superintendent, a local business leader, and other professionals with key community contacts.

According to Teri McHugh, one of the founders of the school foundation in Cardiff, retaining an attorney can be critical when applying for tax-exempt status and writing bylaws and rules of incorporation. In some cases, it is possible to find an attorney willing to work on a pro bono basis.

McHugh also advises the use of an outside auditing or bookkeeping firm so parents are not responsible for maintaining accurate records on large sums of money.

If a foundation or parent organization is funding the hiring of personnel, the group should make sure that the school is the employer of record so the institution is responsible for employee benefits, social security payments and so on, said Kathy Cates, president of the PTA 9th District that includes North County.

For more information on starting a fund, contact the Public Education Fund Network, 601 13th St. NW, Suite 290, Washington, D.C. 20005-3807 or call 202-628-7460.