ABOUT THE G.A.P.S. FOUNDATION

"Generating Assistance for Public Schools"

• G.A.P.S. distributes resources to educators working to increase graduation rates and provide greater opportunities for success for children with special needs and those who are at-risk—birth to 21—in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties, Oregon.
• The G.A.P.S. Board of Trustees hosts an annual benefit event to fund its mini-grant offering and seeks special-project funding through grants and community partnerships.
• G.A.P.S. is a fully qualified, nonprofit charitable organization with 501(c)3 status. Tax ID #20-5449967.
• Download our "About Us" sheet

Contact information
Andi Miller, Development
adairemiller@comcast.net

Megan Stenberg, Communications/ Board Support mstenberg@nwresd.k12.or.us

Board of Directors

(503) 844-5716  Fax: (503) 614-1283
5825 NE Ray Cir., Hillsboro OR 97124

FAQ

How is The G.A.P.S. Foundation different from local school district foundations?

The focuses are different:

Local school district foundations are raising funds to support programs at schools in their districts. The G.A.P.S. Foundation is focusing on raising funds for programs that all school districts in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties will be eligible to receive support from, with a focus on children who have special needs or who are at-risk

Why should I support public school programs that are already supported by tax dollars?

While there are some tax dollars that support ESD programs, the great majority of the cost belongs to school districts. The programs are far more expensive than the combined tax dollars received by the ESD and the school districts. As an example, a student in an ESD specialized program may have an annual price tag of $30,000 or more compared to the $5,000 to $10,000 that taxes and state funding may provide. Therefore, there is a large gap between what an ESD program actually costs and the tax revenue the program receives.

Will The G.A.P.S. Foundation be contacting the same individuals and businesses as School District Foundations?

In some cases, yes. In those cases, our approach will be to ask donors to make a gift to The G.A.P.S. Foundation IN ADDITION TO the gift(s) they are making to their local school district foundation. We do not want to take support away from local school district foundations.

How will The G.A.P.S. Foundation communicate with local school districts?

In several ways:

- The superintendent of NWRESD will be a liaison between The G.A.P.S. Foundation and district superintendents and provide updates at superintendent meetings. Volunteer board and committee members will be recruited from each of the four counties in our region: Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington. The G.A.P.S. Foundation intends to have a newsletter to update volunteers, donors and other friends of its progress.

- We will stay in touch with local school districts by awarding them grants for programs in their districts.

- G.A.P.S. Foundation representatives are available to meet with local school district boards.