Kenwood School District’s Nonprofit Resource for Public Education

In 1999, a Sonoma Valley businessman stepped forward in response to the pleas of a group of valley residents concerned about the future of the Kenwood School. With his very generous donation of $10,000 the Kenwood Education Foundation (KEF) was launched. That businessman, although he did not have children in the Kenwood School, recognized the importance of education to the lives of the local residents and local businesses. Building on the dreams of our founders, the current KEF Board of Directors is comprised of Kenwood School parents, community members, and business leaders working together to reach beyond the parent body and involve the entire community in supporting quality educational programs for our children.

A nonprofit public benefit corporation, KEF raises funds to support programs at Kenwood School for which sufficient government funding does not exist. Among others, these programs include Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Lab, Library, and Classroom Instructional Aides. In accordance with our bylaws, KEF may also fund pilot programs exhibiting the potential to affect a significant number of students, mini-grants to teachers looking for new and better methods of teaching, teacher training, and textbooks and educational materials that support major school programs.

In addition to seeking grants and other institutional monies, KEF hosts fundraising events scheduled throughout the school year. Held from mid-August thru September, the KIDS Campaign provides the core contributions and participation statistics which we build upon to obtain grants and funding from outside sources; held in February, the Big Heart Luncheon recognizes community members who have made a positive impact on Kenwood School children as well as the community at large; and, typically held the first Saturday in June, Lights, Camera, Auction! presents a gala dinner dance with silent and live auctions.

Although our main objective is to raise money for programs and materials not covered through district funds, KEF’s Board of Directors works very hard to promote a positive model of cooperation between parents, the school district, and the larger Kenwood School community which not only circumscribes the village of Kenwood, but extends into the neighboring communities of Oakmont, Glen Ellen, Sonoma, Rincon Valley, and Santa Rosa. To this end, we also offer opportunities for parental and community gatherings throughout the school year including the New Parent Breakfast, Back-to-School Barbeque, and Grandparents & Special Friends Day.

The Kenwood Education Foundation’s Tax ID number is 68-0422393.