Much to the surprise of its board members, the Foundation for Saline Area Schools continues to receive private donations despite the downturn in the economy.  “What that tells me is that there is continued strong commitment to education in this district,” says Foundation President Lou Candiotti, a Saline resident, father of two, and administrator for the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. The foundation works with the Saline Area Schools to raise and distribute funds for projects that benefit students, including innovative educational programs, activities, and events that supplement school programs not provided by the existing school budget.

Last year, the foundation granted more than $40,000 to teachers throughout the district for a range of projects, including a “Chemistry and Matter” program at the middle school, physical fitness activities for students with special needs in the Young Adult Program at the high school, K’NEX building materials for first graders, and “Reading Music Better” for fifth and sixth graders. The foundation began in 1987 through the efforts of a group of community education supporters, and now has assets of $330,000. Money comes from endowment funds and individual donations, and only the interest generated may be spent. In order to receive a foundation grant, teachers in the district submit applications stating how the money would be used, and how it would impact students. The 40 to 50 annual grants range from $100 to $10,000.

Saline’s foundation is now developing strategies to focus on fund development activities to specifically meet district goals. Having specific goals will make it easier to raise funds, Candiotti says, because donors want to know how their money will be used and when they’ll be able to see the benefits.  For more information check out www.foundationforsalineareaschools.org.