How We Raise Funds

The Spirit of 67 Foundation raises funds through three main channels: general donations, special events, and corporate sponsorships.

General Donations

General donation opportunities begin at the point of school registration, with parents opting in when they register their children in District 67. This subtle appeal helps the Spirit begin its year of work to raise funds for all students.

Corporate matches, which can be submitted at any time of year, are another passive but impactful way to support the foundation. Many companies already have matching programs for nonprofit organizations like the Spirit of 67—check your company’s policy today.

Crosstown Challenge

Another opportunity for general giving is through our annual Crosstown Challenge, which typically runs from September to December.

This friendly competition among the D67 schools encourages families to donate in support of the Spirit of 67 Foundation’s annual grants program. The school with the highest percent of family participation in the contest wins. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps your school move closer to victory with each gift counting toward your school’s total.

The winning school receives:
* A monetary bonus to support school needs, plus a $500 bonus to the school that reaches the participation goal first!
* Bragging rights across the district
* A special prize 

The 2025-2026 school year saw Sheridan Elementary winning the Crosstown Challenge. They were the first school to reach the 80% family participation goal.

ShopRaise

The Spirit of 67 Foundation is partnering with ShopRaise, an app and online program that helps to make everyday shopping a way you can support us. 

Just scan to download the app or visit https://shopraise.com/support/thespiritof67foundation and shop! A portion of your purchase will be donated by the retailer to The Spirit at no extra cost to you. There are more than 2,000 participating retailers and over 250 gift cards. 

Special Events

Fall Fundraiser

Our flagship fundraising event is the biannual Home & Garden Tour, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. This premier event has become the highlight of our fundraising efforts and requires a village to organize.

Last year, the event raised over $100,000 for students, with more than 600 guests attending during the four-hour experience. Five stunning local homes and their gardens were showcased. Delicious food and drinks were provided by nearby bars and restaurants, with beautiful tablescapes and design support from local small businesses.

It was truly a community event not to be missed.

Save the date for the next Spirit of 67 Foundation Home Tour:
🗓️ Thursday, September 24, 2026

Corporate Sponsors

Many of today’s business leaders and Lake Forest community members began their journeys in District 67 and were impacted by the support of the Spirit of 67 Foundation. We’re proud to continue that tradition and are deeply grateful when leaders choose to give back.

Our dedicated parent volunteers organize meaningful events throughout the year that bring our community together in support of District 67 students. These events create a range of sponsorship opportunities that not only benefit our schools but also offer valuable visibility with a committed and engaged local audience.

Fulfilling the Spirit’s mission is only possible thanks to the incredible support of local retailers, corporate sponsors, and the generous donations of our District 67 families.

If you’re interested in sponsoring an event, donating to our general fund, or supporting a specific educational area, please email us at info@spiritof67foundation.org or contact Katie Salgat, VP of Fundraising - fundraising@spiritof67foundation.org

Thank you to our 2025–2026 sponsors for making this work possible.