A Massachusetts School Sets Up Its Own Innovation Venture Fund

From the Marshall Memo #436

In this Kappan article, Brookline High School social studies teacher Daniel Green describes how his diverse suburban school set up its own foundation to support teacher mentoring, narrow the achievement gap, and pilot other innovative projects [see Marshall Memo 120 for a description of the school’s exemplary mentoring program]. Green believes that every community can establish this kind of fund, and, based on Brookline’s experience, recommends the following steps:

• Establish an exploratory team. The goal of this group is to think about the mission, governance structure, and fundraising strategy, creating a “snowball effect” that gets other community members involved, brings expertise to the table, and crystallizes a leadership team.

• Develop a clear mission statement. “Donors are more apt to provide funds to an organization possessing a clearly articulated goal,” says Green. This might range from raising $5,000 to augment existing literacy initiatives to raising tens of thousands of dollars for a teacher-led social justice program.

• Create an inclusive governance structure. Key stakeholders need to be included – parents, teachers, administrators, district personnel, and school board members.

• Negotiate with other groups to avoid competition and duplication. Meet with representatives of PTOs, nonprofits, alumni associations, and any other groups that are currently raising funds and hammer out a coordinated strategy. 

• Locate available money and raise funds. Sources might include government grants, foundations, corporations, and other commercial and private donors. Getting 501(c)(3) status gives donors tax exemptions for their gifts.

• Prepare guidelines for program development and evaluation. It has to be clear how teachers can apply for funds, the criteria that will be used, and how programs will be evaluated.

• Invite teachers to apply for funding. Each year, one or two innovative programs with real potential are funded.

• Provide ongoing support. Green suggests tapping alumni, school personnel, and parents to provide teacher leaders with advice and resources throughout the year. 

• Evaluate and institutionalize. Collect data from students and other stakeholders to evaluate each program, and work to get successful programs funded through the regular school budget. 

“Investing in High School” by Daniel Green in Phi Delta Kappan, May 2012 (Vol. 93, #8, p. 28-33), http://www.kappanmagazine.org; Green is at daniel_green@brookline.k12.edu.ma.