FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Coginchaug Valley
Education Foundation?
The Coginchaug Valley Education
Foundation (CVEF) is a private, non-profit, non-partisan, tax-exempt
organization that supports educational programs for all the citizens of the two
towns of Durham and Middlefield.
The Foundation solicits donations from individuals, businesses, organizations
and other foundations and disburses grants to residents, teachers,
administrators, and school professionals in Regional School District 13,
municipal departments, town organizations and civic clubs from Durham and
Middlefield for programs that exhibit innovation, excellence and creativity. The Foundation does not fund
programs considered to be a normal part of annual town or school budgets.
Why do our towns need an
education foundation?
At a time when most of the taxes collected in our towns go to fund
public education, other worthy community educational programs need support also. As a Foundation whose mission
considers the entire community, CVEF provides the funds for local groups wanting
to offer educational programs for the community.
And because education dollars do not stretch much beyond fixed costs and
mandated programs, some worthy school programs need support from CVEF as well.
How does the Foundation
operate?
CVEF is governed by a board of directors that meets on a monthly
basis. The all- volunteer board
includes representatives of both towns from all segments of the
community—parents, business people, retirees, educators and others committed to
the idea of town citizens as lifelong learners. Several committees of the Foundation have members who are not on the
board but who share the values of the Foundation. In addition, the Foundation has an annual meeting for founders at
which it gives a Founders’ Award to a Citizen or Native Son or Daughter who
exemplifies the mission of CVEF.
Where will the funds come
from to carry out the Foundation’s programs?
CVEF depends on private donations, fund raising activities, bequests,
and grants. Donations are sought
from individuals, businesses, organizations and other foundations. In the
future, CVEF seeks to create an endowment to ensure the continuity of the
Foundation.
Is the idea of an education foundation unique to CVEF?
No. There are close to 80 education foundations already operating in
Connecticut. In fact, CVEF is a member of the Connecticut Consortium of
Education Foundations.
What is unique about CVEF?
CVEF joins only a small portion of education foundations in Connecticut that
have a community wide mission. Unlike others, CVEF was made possible by
founders-- over 120 people and four community organizations that contributed
funds to initiate the Foundation and provide educational opportunities for the
citizens of Durham and Middlefield.