How is Royalton Education Foundation (REF) different from a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).
Both share a common goal of supporting education. However, a PTO tends to be more focused on a single "building" such as an elementary school whereas an educational foundation focuses on the entire district. Another important difference is that a PTO tends to have shorter-term goals that tie to the children of the PTO members directly. An education foundation like REF is focused on the long-term. While a PTO might have bake sales or smaller fundraisers so they can spend the funds immediately, a foundation is trying to raise larger dollar amounts that will remain permanently invested so the schools are supported for generations to come. Also while a PTO typically consist of solely parents and teachers an Educational Foundation's membership supporters can be any community member interested in fulfilling the foundation's mission. In the case of REF that vision is to "To positively impact student well-being, education and activities in the geographical area served by the Royalton School District."
Is the Royalton Education Foundation part of the school district?
The Royalton Education Foundation is a separate organization from the school district. It is a partner fund of the Initiative Foundation, a regional community foundation headquartered in Little Falls. The Initiative Foundation is a tax exempt public charity that serves all of Central Minnesota. The Royalton Education Foundation is led by an advisory team comprised of members of the local community. REF members can be parents, grandparents, staff members, teachers, and anyone connected to the community. We do work closely with the school district as our purpose is to serve its needs!
Initiative Foundation vs Royalton Education Foundation - What is the difference
Royalton Education Foundation (REF) is a partner fund of the Initiative Foundation (IF). IF is responsible for multiple community foundations including approximately a dozen educational foundations. REF is partnered with IF as they manage all the legal complexities of operating a charity and managing the endowment. This allows REF to focus on raising funds, for an endowment, and to make grants from that endowment. The advisory board (REF members) are volunteers who are part of the Royalton School District community. Decisions are made by this advisory board, with connections to the community! As a partner fund, the Royalton Education Foundation also has access to the broader resources of the Initiative Foundation. These resources include a professional team that can help with larger and more complex gifts (Check out the Ways to Give Section of the IF website). The team also ensures that your generosity is well-cared for. The finance team at the Initiative Foundation consists of five full-time staff who ensure the books and records are well-maintained and an annual, independent audit is completed. Finally, the Investment and Audit Committee of the Initiative Foundation works with an experienced, third-party professional to invest the endowment for long-term growth.
What is an Endowment?
An endowment is an investment in tomorrow. Once established only the earned interest and growth is used to fund grants. REF volunteers work diligently to raise funds to increase the endowment's value and work with potential donors to help them understand how those funds will be used. We believe an endowment is an excellent way to offer ever-increasing support to the Royalton Schools for generations to come.
Does REF only support initiatives at the Middle School and High School?
The Royalton Education Foundation serves the entire school district and we have given grants that have benefited students from Preschool to Graduation. Please visit our Grants page for a sample of grants we have been able to support!