Brighton Education Fund: Organization

		The Brighton Education Fund is legally organized as a component fund of Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF). RACF is a nonprofit grant-making institution that helps preserve and enhance the quality of life in our region. Under the RACF umbrella, more than 750 funds for current and endowed giving provide grants for early childhood development, youth and families, civic engagement, and a wide variety of donor interests, such as the arts and culture, concern for the aging, and the environment. The Fund consists of several endowed funds and a Current Needs fund. The endowed funds are invested through RACF, whose professional managers seek a mix of growth and income. The income from these funds supports grants, scholarships, and other BEF initiatives. Contributions to the Current Needs fund go to work immediately, supporting grants and programs during the current school year. Brighton Education Fund's grant-making and fundraising activities are overseen by a board of trustees composed of Brighton graduates, parents of current or former students, retired Brighton teachers and administrators, and current and former school board members and PTSA officers. One BHS student serves as a special representative each year. We are very pleased that Harv Peris, the Superintendent of the Brighton Central School District, has joined our board this year as a full trustee. The trustees of the Brighton Education Fund meet monthly to develop policy and procedures, work on fundraising, and review grant applications. Grants are awarded on the basis of criteria that encourage innovation and creativity. Our current trustees are: Gail Daugherty (Treasurer) Jim Kane (Co-Chair) Lynn Landgraff Phyllis Likely (Thank You Coordinator) Sue Mitchell Molly Panner (Mailing Coordinator) Martha Sciremammano Gretchen Shafer (former Co-Chair) Jody Siegle (Co-Chair) Marcia Spillane (Secretary) Mort Stein Katy Stenross (Grant Coordinator) The organization also includes an advisory board, composed of leaders from the school district and the community who offer help and advice as needed. The Brighton Education Fund maintains a working relationship with the Brighton Schools Alumni Association. While both organizations promote the success of the school district, they generally pursue different approaches and bring different audiences into the room. Cross membership in the groups' boards is encouraged. June, 2008 Brighton Education Fund c/o Brighton Schools, 2035 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, New York 14618 voice (585) 461-0434 fax (208) 975-7494