History and Highlights
The North Kitsap Schools Foundation is an all-volunteer community-based organization, independent of the North Kitsap School District. Programs supported by the Foundation have the approval of the North Kitsap School District and are consistent with the curriculum objectives and mission of the District.
Significant Points:
● We received our IRS non-profit status in January 2003 as a public foundation. This designation affords a favored tax status to donors and provides us the flexibility to establish a variety of Donor Funds from “pass-through” to “endowment”. Groups or individuals can establish a Named Fund for a specific purpose or to honor or memorialize an individual. Funds may be structured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of the donor.
● Since November 2004 we have awarded 43 mini-grants totaling over $14,000 to teachers for innovative and creative learning projects and have sponsored and funded Mental Health training for staff.
● We have facilitated grants from area foundations for the institution and continuation of special school programs. We offer our services without fees for “pass-through” grants and donations that go directly to the school district.
● NKSF has directed over $70,000 in scholarships to graduates of North Kitsap, $4,700 in half-day kindergarten tuition assistance and over $3,000 to special program and student assistance funds.
● We have instituted a payroll deduction program for employees throughout the North Kitsap School District and provide matching gift opportunities to employers.
● We have assisted with the organization of an NK Alumni Association and since its inception July 2005 have helped with their Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. Support has been received from North Kitsap School District graduates throughout the U.S. and from the Class of 1937 to the Class of 2005.
● NKSF’s dynamic website serves as a source of information for donors as well as those seeking information and forms for mini-grants, scholarships, NKSD staff payroll deduction and NKSF special events.
● In 2007 we completed our first external financial audit and published our first Annual Report.