K 12 Public Education Foundations - Dissertation Example

The mushrooming public school foundations owe their unprecedented growth to several reasons. For instance, it is very difficult for schools to procure funds. In addition, accountability of schools has increased manifold. Furthermore, members of the community are provided with a convenient device to involve themselves with local schools and their enterprises (Woodworth). As such, education foundations are non – profit organizations as per the provisions of section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

These foundations are affiliated with public school corporations, and they facilitate the establishment of tax-deductible funds to generate grants and scholarships (Robbins, 2009). Such foundations are of immense help to teachers and students. Moreover, section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code considers education foundations as tax-exempt organizations. In addition, the laws of the state where the foundation is to be established have to be examined, with regard to tax exemptions. As such, fundraising activity should not commence till such time as a tax exempt status is not granted to the foundation and its donors (Else, Assisting K-12 Education through the National Center for Public and Private School Foundations, 2003).

For instance, the National Center for Public and Private School Foundations at the University of Northern Iowa has objectives that take into account the phenomenal growth of school foundations. These objectives consider the requirements of local public school districts and the private schools (Else, Assisting K-12 Education through the National School Foundations Association, 2011). The principal aims of the National Center for Public and Private School Foundations are; first to correlate people and organizations with private and public schools, and to promote support and awareness, by means of school foundations.

Second, to help private and public schools, via the development of school foundations, in the task of creating education funds of greater flexibility, and reducing the gap between the lower and higher income districts (Else, Assisting K-12 Education through the National School Foundations Association, 2011). Third, support school personnel in the US in the design, operation and sustaining of school foundations. Fourth, help local foundations by providing expertise and guidelines in the management and development of school foundations.

Some of these are fundraising strategies, procedures, policies, management, organization and legal issues (Else, Assisting K-12 Education through the National School Foundations Association, 2011). Fifth, assist the leadership of the school foundation to develop professionally, especially with regard to working meaningfully with the board and in strategic planning. Sixth, conduct research on and adapt the extant research findings with respect to school foundations and determine the crucial factors that affect their success.

Seventh, enhance the fundraising capability of K – 12 schools so that they can effectively address emerging requirements (Else, Assisting K-12 Education through the National Center for Public and Private School Foundations, 2003).