Led by a diverse, volunteer community-based board, the Foundation solicits, manages and distributes financial contributions, which are tax deductible, to serve the students and educators of Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS). The Foundation will provide opportunities for individuals, businesses and the community to invest in the educational needs of Fayette County Public Schools; support the school district’s commitment to equitable access to opportunities and resources for all students; and strive to fulfill unmet educational needs and remove barriers to opportunity. The Foundation’s funding is not intended to replace or alter the use of local, state or federal tax-based revenue.

The Fayette Education Foundation an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt philanthropic charitable organization that operates independently of the Fayette County Public Schools yet cultivates innovations to benefit students and staff and to enhance the mission of the school district. The Foundation does not serve in an advisory capacity to the school district and its board, therefore, has no influence over school district policies, programs or operations.

The Foundation board established the initial priorities and goals of the Foundation and approved the first-ever strategic plan in April 2021. In general, the Foundation will provide opportunities for individuals, businesses and the community to invest in the educational needs of Fayette County Public Schools; support the school district’s commitment to equitable access to opportunities and resources for all students; and strive to fulfill unmet educational needs and remove barriers to opportunity.

We believe that all community members have a stake in their public schools. The cornerstone of a strong community is a quality public education system. Community prosperity, both quality of life and economic growth, results from increased educational excellence. Studies show that education leads to better, more stable jobs that pay higher income and allow families to accumulate wealth that can be used to improve health. With nearly 90% of school aged children in Lexington attending Fayette County Public Schools, we believe investing in our children is investing in the future of our schools, community and society.

The Fayette Education Foundation will complement existing efforts, including those of PTAs, which focus on specific schools. Fundraising targets and tactics will be different.

The public investments have been specifically targeted toward facilities and safety, which are important components to learning. Our efforts will build on those investments and focus on equity and opportunity. The Foundation’s funding is not intended to replace or alter the use of local, state or federal tax-based revenue.

Some momentum was lost, and there were various leadership changes as well as no full-time staff. With a renewed commitment from schools and the community to equity and opportunity, the time is right to restart the Foundation with new leadership.

We are creating a strong strategic plan and have hired a full-time executive director. In addition, the focus on – and commitment to – equity has never been stronger. Public events throughout the country have shown a spotlight on the disparities, and people are ready to act.