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Education Fund About BEF Grants, Scholarships & Awards For Donors For Applicants

BEF Mission
History
Organization
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The Brighton Education Fund is legally organized as a component fund of Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF). RACF is a nonprofit grant-making institution that helps preserve and enhance the quality of life in our region. Under the RACF umbrella, more than 750 funds for current and endowed giving provide grants for early childhood development, youth and families, civic engagement, and a wide variety of donor interests, such as the arts and culture, concern for the aging, and the environment.

From a financial perspective, BEF consists of several endowed funds and a Current Needs fund. The endowed funds are invested through RACF, whose professional managers seek a mix of growth and income. The income from these funds supports grants, scholarships, and other BEF initiatives. Contributions to the Current Needs fund go to work immediately, supporting grants and programs during the current school year.

Brighton Education Fund's grant-making and fundraising activities are overseen by a board of trustees composed of Brighton graduates, parents of current or former students, retired Brighton teachers and administrators, and current and former school board members and PTSA officers. One BHS student serves as a special representative each year. We are pleased to note that the Superintendent of the Brighton Central School District typically joins our board as a full trustee.

The trustees of the Brighton Education Fund meet monthly to develop policy and procedures, work on fundraising, and review grant applications. Grants are awarded on the basis of criteria that encourage innovation and creativity.

Our current trustees are:
Jody Siegle (Chair)
Paul Bush (Grants Coordinator)
Gail Daugherty (Treasurer)
Tina Jones (Secretary)
Paul DiStefano
Anne Maier
Kevin McGowan
Sandra Miller
Sue Salzman
Martha Sciremammano
Jill Vigdor
Dawn Wisset
Maya Finnigan (Student Representative)
Steve Gaudioso (Alumni Association Representative)

The organization also includes an advisory board, composed of leaders from the school district and the community who offer help and advice as needed.

The Brighton Education Fund maintains a working relationship with the Brighton Schools Alumni Association. While both organizations promote the success of the school district, they generally pursue different approaches and bring different audiences into the room. Cross membership in the groups' boards is encouraged.

October, 2019


Brighton Education Fund
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voice (585) 461-0434     fax (208) 975-7494
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