...Whereas: With such support our public schools will continue to lead in exploring intellectual and creative frontiers for our endless succession of young people to the benefit of our entire community....from Proclamation issued by the Needham Board of Selectmen declaring April 8- April 15, 1996 Needham Education Foundation, Inc. Week

In 1990, a group of Needham citizens accepted the challenge to raise funds to stimulate and support innovative educational programs and enrichment activities that are above and beyond normal public funding. Since that time, the Needham Education Foundation, Inc. has raised over $1 million and awarded more than 200 grants totaling over $900,000. With strong support from business and community leaders, empty nesters and young families, as well as alumni, students in every level of public school, across the town, have been touched by NEF supported programs.

NEF seeks to promote innovation and creativity on the part of teachers, students, parents and other community members by providing seed money for new endeavors. The grants fund avant-garde projects in math and science, language and the arts, emerging technologies and social development. These are programs that simply would not be possible without private donations.

The vision of the original NEF Board of Directors was to establish a Sustaining Fund which would allow annual grants in the amount of $100,000 from investment returns. Historically, NEF has granted 8-10% annually to the Needham Public Schools while continuing to grow the Sustaining Fund. To date the assets of NEF are over $1 million and are invested primarily in a select group of continuously monitored mutual funds.

Fundraising efforts include the Annual Spelling Bee in the spring, the Annual Fund Drive in the fall, as well as year round efforts to continue our Capital Campaign and Alumni outreach.

The current Board of Directors represent a broad cross section of the community including professionals, business leaders, alumni and community activists. All share a common commitment — to ensure that the standard of excellence that has been the hallmark of the Needham schools continues.

If you share the same ideals, commitment to educational excellence and wish to contribute in any way, please contact us.