Q. Why does the Dobbs Ferry Schools Foundation exist?
A. The Foundation exists to be a partner with the District in the development of an exceptional system of public education by promoting excellence in all aspects of education. With the help of our community, we raise money to fund a variety of programs across all three of the Dobbs Ferry schools. The programs we fund go beyond the District’s budget.
Dobbs Ferry is very proud of the reputation of its school system and our schools are the reason many of us have chosen to live here. The excellence of the school system also helps maintain property values in Dobbs Ferry. However, Dobbs schools are public schools, the size of the District’s annual budget is limited, state aid to the District is small by statute, and separate state regulation limits property tax increases.
Our teachers, administrators, and Board of Education do a terrific job within the constraints of the budget. At the same time, they have innovative and exciting ideas to improve the educational experience of our students. We exist because they need a place to go for financial support outside of the District’s budget to help them implement those ideas and realize their vision — and this is where the Foundation can play an important role.
As a community, we set very high standards for our schools, but we may not be able to achieve these goals through public funding alone. To provide our students with the best possible educational experience, the Foundation seeks to support them by funding state-of-the art technology, a creative curriculum, quality teaching techniques, and an environment that allows students to benefit from innovative educational practices.
Q. What types of programs and grants does the DFSF fund?
A. We fund a wide array of programs, initiatives and equipment ranging from technology to the arts to reading, mathematics and science. We also fund professional development and training for our teachers and staff. A list of the initiatives we have funded can be found here.
Q. How does the DFSF raise funds?
A. The Foundation has two major fundraising events annually: our Annual Appeal campaign in the fall/winter and our annual fundraising Gala in the spring. We also receive gifts throughout the year from individual donors as well as corporate matching gifts.
Q. Is there a minimum donation amount?
A. Absolutely not! All donations go toward helping our schools. We have received donations starting from $5 and very much appreciate any amount large or small. Donations are tax-deductible. Many companies offer matching donations. Please check with your employer if your company offers corporate matching.
Q. How are the funds spent?
A. Funds raised are distributed via grants which are submitted directly by faculty and administrators. Money raised through our Annual Appeal typically goes toward the grants that are submitted throughout our yearly grant cycles. Money raised at the annual Gala goes toward larger initiatives presented to the DFSF by our District administration.
Q. What is the grant application and approval process?
A. Teachers must first submit a completed grant application to their building principal and, once approved, the application is submitted to the Superintendent. Once our Superintendent approves the proposed grant application, it is then submitted to the DFSF Board. Our Grants Committee appoints a Grant Manager to work directly with the faculty or staff who submitted the application and to advocate for the grant during the review process. Our Board will then vote on the grant and once approved, the grant is submitted to the Board of Education for final approval.
2023-2024 Grants Cycle timeline:
Grants of any size can be submitted by the following dates:
First Submittal Date: January 1st
Second Submittal Date: March 1st for funding projects in the next school year
Q. How many board members are there and what do they do?
A. A full list of our board members can be found here. Board membership entails four broad responsibilities: to undertake committee work in support of the DFSF mission, to make a financial contribution to the organization (there is no minimum amount required in order to join our Board), to attend and participate in Board meetings, and to assist with our annual fundraising activities. We are always open to new volunteers and members who want to get more involved!
Q. Is it possible to volunteer my time without becoming a Board member?
A. Yes, we have many volunteers who help out with specific initiatives such as the Gala or Grants without committing to full Board membership. A great way to find out more is by coming to one of our upcoming board meetings.
Q. How does the DFSF differ from the PTSA?
A. The DFSF and PTSA are two separate organizations with a similar vision: to enrich the lives of all school children in Dobbs Ferry. The Foundation and the PTSA both seek to provide support for our schools and to encourage a strong volunteer base among our parent body. We have overlapping missions, but we differ in range and scope.
The DFSF is a local organization that has only one purpose: we exist to grant financial resources that enable the District to provide opportunities to students that are not possible using district budget funds alone. Our financial assistance enables our schools to pursue initiatives, projects and equipment that they would otherwise be unable to afford and to accelerate innovation across all three of our schools.
The PTSA is a national organization and families pay membership dues. PTSA volunteers take a more active role in the daily life of the schools, holding parent meetings and workshops, and sponsoring programs and social events for students, parents, and staff. It also engages in political advocacy on education issues. PTSA grants are awarded throughout the school year in response to staff requests for special projects or equipment. The PTSA also subsidizes and sponsors various programs throughout the schools, and funds class trips and other expenses.
Q. Can I join both the DFSF and the PTSA?
A. Absolutely! Many of our members belong to both organizations, and often hold Executive positions on each Board. Our parent organizations work to support each other in our missions and common goals of assisting in providing the best possible education for all our children across all our schools.
Q. DO OTHER COMMUNITIES HAVE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS?
A. Yes, most communities in Westchester have decided that the best way to maintain excellence in the face of rising taxes and diminished state aid is to establish a not-for-profit public schools foundation. Other communities that have foundations include Hastings-on-Hudson, Bronxville, Irvington, Armonk, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Rye, Katonah and Edgemont.
Q. Who can I contact about volunteering?
A. Please contact us at info@dfsfoundation.org or fill out our Get Involved Interest Form.