About
About the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation
The mission of the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation is to ensure that all students in the district have access to excellent academic, arts, and athletic programs and facilities and to provide scholarships as appropriate by raising and allocating community dollars for these purposes.
The Buffalo Public Schools Foundation is a private, not-for-profit corporation, originally named The Foundation for Arts and Athletics in Buffalo. In May of 2006 the charter was amended, under provisions of the New York State, section 803 of the Non-Profit Corporation Law, to set forth the name as the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation. The Buffalo Public Schools Foundation is the legal conduit for the acceptance, investment, management and distribution of gifts given for the funding of activities and programs related directly to the mission, role and scope of the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do we need a Foundation? Why should I give to the Foundation?
Investing in the future, the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation secures resources to support quality education through innovative programs, creative opportunities, and imaginative approaches. These programs enrich the curriculum, inspire students and staff, and expand the community’s involvement in public education. To put it simply, the mission of the Foundation is to provide a margin of excellence for BPS students.
Does the BPS administration have anything to do with the Foundation?
The Foundation is a separate nonprofit organization. The board of directors shall be no fewer than 5 and no more than 16.
While the Foundation is a separate organization, our sole mission is to support the educational purposes of the Buffalo Public Schools. We look to those who understand education best—the professional educators—for leadership. We look to our community to help the Foundation develop and direct resources to meet our shared educational goals.
Where does the money go?
Dollars come to the Foundation either restricted or unrestricted. The restricted dollars support programs designated by the donor. The unrestricted contributions are allocated by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
We solicit project proposals in the areas of music, arts, athletics and academics. The foundation board reviews the proposals and decides which projects to fund.
Our board policy states that at no time can the total fund balance go below one year’s operating expenses (approximately $100,000).
The Foundation has disbursed more than $750,000 to fund programs in the areas of arts, athletics and academics for students in the Buffalo Schools.
How much does the Foundation have now?
As of December, 2010, the total Foundation earnings were in excess of $1.1 Million. In addition to the experienced management of our board, the Foundation benefits from an annual audit from an outside accounting firm.
Do other school districts have Foundations?
Yes, school districts across the country have similar foundations, including several here in Western New York.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. The Buffalo Public Schools Foundation is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are deductable to the fullest extent allowed by law. We will mail the donor a receipt for any contribution made.
How do I know that my online donation is secure?
The Buffalo Public Schools Foundation partners with PayPal for online payment processing. The PayPal website utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt data transmissions and to provide website authentication. PayPal has quickly become a global leader in online payment solutions with 100 million account members worldwide. Available in 55 countries and regions around the world, buyers and sellers on eBay, online retailers, online businesses, as well as traditional offline businesses are transacting with PayPal. PayPal has received close to 20 awards for technical excellence from the internet industry and the business community. PayPal is certified by VISA for its CISP/Cardholder Information Security program. This certification is VISA’s highest security protocol.
What if I still prefer to donate in the traditional way, with a check? Checks are gladly accepted. Please make checks payable to the Buffalo Public Schools Foundation and mail to: Buffalo Public Schools Foundation, PO Box 876, Buffalo, New York 14201.
