Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Does the VBCPS Education Foundation Do?

A: The Foundation raises funds and in-kind donations to benefit students in VBCPS through tax-deductible donations, gifts, bequests and the like. The Foundation then awards Building Futures and School Wide grants for pilot programs teachers wish to implement. In addition, the Education Foundation manages the House Project which provides hands-on work experience for juniors and seniors in the construction trades.

Q: Why was the VB Education Foundation Started?

A: The Foundation was established in 1991 to partner business resources with Technical and Career Education programs in our schools. Because of its success, the Foundation expanded in 1995 to include all students, K-12, in all academic, technical, and career disciplines.

Q: Who Decides How the Money is Spent?

A: The Virginia Beach Education Foundation Board of Directors, comprised of 30 community leaders, approves all expenditures from the Foundation. They are responsible for screening funding proposals and are the final arbiters in decisions regarding The Foundation resources.

Q: How is the VB Education Foundation Funded?

A: Community commitment to public education makes the Foundation possible. Citizens, parents, business people, the military... all contribute to the Foundation through a myriad of ways. The Foundation benefits from direct contributions of money, goods, and services; from fund raising efforts; through events and United Way designations, to name just a few sources.

Q: How is the Money Spent?

A: All Foundation monies go directly back into our Virginia Beach City Public School System. Operational costs for the Foundation are very low (less than 5%) as many expenses are underwritten by individual and business contributions.

Q: How Does the Foundation Make a Difference... In Our Students?

A: Continuous improvement is the watchword. The Education Foundation provides monies and equipment for many "extras" inside and outside the classroom for all of our children, kindergarten through grade 12. Our students today are our leaders tomorrow. That they have every possible advantage for success is the mission of the Foundation. We make a difference today, so they will make a difference tomorrow.

Q: How Does the Foundation Make a Difference... In Our Teachers?

A: Priorities for the Foundation include funding innovative projects teachers implement to improve student learning. The Education Foundation makes possible initiatives undertaken by teachers or staff that involve creative teaching strategies.

Q: Can Anyone Else Mandate How the Money is Used?

A: No. The Virginia Beach Public Schools Education Foundation funds are totally separate from the school system. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a discrete entity unto itself.

Q: How Does the Foundation Make a Difference... In the Community?

A: The economic vitality and quality of life in a community are directly linked to the quality of the education system. Partnerships promote prosperity, and the public education of residents becomes the backbone of the future work force.