The Spirit of 67 Foundation

Enhancing the Education of Every Student in Every School, Every Day

The Spirit of 67 Foundation is a not-for-profit, parent-run volunteer organization whose mission is to raise funds and acquire resources to enrich and elevate the educational and cultural experiences of students, faculty, parents and staff of District 67 in ways that might not otherwise be provided.

Established over 35 years ago, the Spirit has, to date, awarded over 675 grants totaling almost $5.5 million providing curricular enhancements, resources & tools that support excellence in our public schools.  With your donation, we fund many grants across all four D67 schools so that a student’s educational experience is enriched beyond what tax dollars pay for.  In the course of a school day, students benefit from grants in fine arts, wellness, language arts, math, STEAM, emotional wellness, science, social studies, world language and more. Examples of past grants include:

• Fine Arts, Visiting Author, Visiting Scientist and Social Studies Culture Fair programs
• Laboratory Equipment and Miscellaneous Science Engagement components for the newly renovated DPM Science Labs
• Language Arts curriculum support and additions of award-winning books to enhance the school library collections
• STEAM Robotics, Virtual Reality & 3D equipment, and Art enhancements
• Enhancements to the Drama, Band, Orchestra, Chorus and General Music curriculums
• Social and Emotional Learning support
• Cherokee, Sheridan and DPM Playgrounds
• Haskins Center, Cherokee, Everett and Sheridan School Library & Makerspace enhancements
• Audio and Projection Systems for ALL Gyms, Auditoriums and Multipurpose Rooms

The Spirit works closely with students, teachers, administrators and the APT as grants are evaluated to select those that meet the Spirit’s mission and will enhance our schools.
Spirit revenues are raised through family donations, business partnerships, corporate sponsorships and fundraising events. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Spirit grants have a positive and lasting impact on every student in every school, every day!

For more information, to donate or to get involved please visit www.spiritof67foundation.org

get involved

There are lots of ways you can volunteer and get involved in the work of the Spirit of 67 Foundation. We are always seeking dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers to join us. You can volunteer to help out with one of our special events, serve on an event committee or serve on the board. If you are interested in learning more about the organization please consider attending one of our meetings or reaching out to one of our board members. If you are interested in getting involved please fill out and submit a volunteer form.

THE GRANT PROCESS

District 67 schools are fortunate to have talented staff, parents and students who think BIG! We encourage anyone with an innovative idea that fills a need and is supported by the school administration, to submit a grant. All grant applications are reviewed by the Grants Committee prior to being presented to the entire Spirit of 67 Foundation Board for approval. The committee is made up of Board members and represents parents from all of the District 67 schools. The review process is interactive with most grant applicants being contacted by the committee with questions and requests for further information. Decisions are based on the merits of the grant application, the match between the grant and the mission of the Foundation as well as the inability to get funding within the school budget.

Founder's Grants

In honor of our founders, a fund has been created to address time sensitive and important opportunities that arise outside of the annual grant cycle. Each of the 5 D67 campuses has a reserve of $2,000 set aside for these time sensitive opportunities and anyone from each of the schools may apply for a grant from this fund. All other grant requests should be submitted through the regular process in January. Each request must be reviewed and supported by the building principal and will then be evaluated by the Grants Committee to ensure alignment with the Spirit of 67 Foundation mission.

Spirit of 67 Foundation Grant Applications

SHOP WITH SPIRIT

The Spirit of 67 Foundation works with local retailers to offer a donor benefit card for families who donate to the Spirit at the Honor Roll level or above. Cardholders can shop locally while enjoying discounts and special offers at their favorite restaurants and shops in town. To become a Shop with Spirit Retailer you simply offer discounts or special promotions to Spirit cardholders throughout the school year. Offers are shared with cardholders via our website. Participating retailers receive signage for their shop from us indicating that they are a Shop with Spirit Retailer. Learn more about our Shop with Spirit Retailer Offers here.