july 2024 update
help cultivate student potential!
We are seeking additional trustees
We are looking for new members to join our volunteer Board of Trustees. This is an exciting time to come aboard, as we will begin implementing a new strategic plan in the fall.
Just as we are dedicated to our mission to cultivate student potential, we are committed to including all voices from our community as we work to improve and enrich the programs and services we offer -- and to make the community more aware of them.
In particular, we are looking for people who, in addition to possessing a genuine interest in our nonprofit, have one or more of the following:
professional background in: marketing; public relations; the field of law; mental health; OR education
event planning experience
experience in and/or a commitment to diversity, equity and belonging efforts
community relations experience
lived experiences that will strengthen the work we do
If you have a keen interest in the work we do and are ready to roll up your sleeves and help out -- but don't have any of the experience outlined above -- we still encourage you to apply!
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions have been filled.
If you have questions, or need access to the application in an alternative format, contact Executive Director Katy Johansson at info@olyedfoundation.org.
planned giving
August is 'Make a Will Month'
We know it can feel uncomfortable to think and have conversations about end of life, which likely contributes to the fact that two-thirds of Americans do not have a will. Yet it's the only way to guarantee that the people you love the most are taken care of when you're gone. And having a will in place can provide peace of mind during a difficult time.
A will can also allow you to leave a legacy in your community. By making arrangements to leave a planned gift to a nonprofit that is meaningful to you, you can help ensure that organization's work continues for generations to come.
We are proud to be a Leave 10 South Sound nonprofit champion and encourage you to review their resources if you need help getting started creating a will.
Should you wish to leave a planned gift to the Olympia Education Foundation, you can consult our website for more information.
If you have already included the Foundation in your will, please consider letting us know by contacting Executive Director Katy Johansson at 360.596.6110.
save the date
Rise & Shine for Students! this fall
Reserve the morning of Oct. 4 for our biggest fundraiser of the year: Rise & Shine for Students!
The event will begin with a short program, during which you'll hear how your support of our Principal's Emergency Fund, Opportunity Grants and Mental Health Initiative can help cultivate student potential.
Stick around after and mingle, and enjoy coffee and Left Bank pastries -- or take yours to go if you need to get on with your day!
We hope to see you at this FREE event on Friday, Oct. 4, which is a non-student day in the district (no school). Donations appreciated.
Interested in volunteering at this event, or know a student who would like to help? Please reach out to us at events@olyedfoundation.org.
scramble on!
Swinging in support of students
Thanks to all of our amazing sponsors and players for turning out at Capitol City Golf Club on July 12 for the annual Olympia Education Foundation Scramble. It was a beautiful day! All funds raised will help support students in Olympia's public schools throughout the upcoming school year.
opportunity grants open aug. 26
"The students' favorite activity is improvising on a pentatonic scale while I play a blues riff on piano. These xylophones are great because keys can be taken on and off to achieve different scales for the youngest students, where no note is a "wrong" note. They all sound like jazz legends and start feeling confident making music right away!" - 23-24 Foundation Grant Recipient Heather Matthews, music specialist, McKenny Elementary (Photo courtesy of Heather Matthews)
Last chance to submit requests for 24-25 school year!
Attention Olympia School District staff who work directly with students: There are only two application periods for grant requests for the upcoming school year -- and one of them has already closed.
Your final opportunity to apply begins Aug. 26. Make sure to submit your request by 5 p.m. Oct. 24.
Consult our website to access the application and for more details.
Our grants allow educators to enhance student learning, address opportunity gaps, and meet needs that the district cannot.
sponsor spotlight
Thank you to TAGS Awards & Specialties for sponsoring this year's scramble! Your beautiful creations were much appreciated by our players!