Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the Cohasset Education Foundation?

The Cohasset Education Foundation (CEF) was founded in 1992 and reinvigorated in 2006. The Cohasset Education Foundation is an independent, non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization, financed completely through private funds, that works in close coordination with teachers and school administrators.

Since November of 2007, the CEF has raised over $1.7 million in donations to support and improve our public schools. Contributions can be made to the Project Fund, which supports approved grant proposals, or to the Endowment Fund, a principal-preserved permanent fund which supports the long-term health of our schools. Undesignated gifts are divided equally between the two funds.

The CEF helps to provide the incremental resources for programs and materials that are not covered by the Cohasset School District’s operating budget. Our strategic focus is to expand the breadth and depth of the types of projects we support and ensure that the projects align to the school district’s strategic goals.

2. Who is on the CEF Board of Directors?

The CEF Board of Directors is made up of eighteen residents of Cohasset who are passionate about public education. Volunteer members can serve up to two three-year terms. Click here for the list of current board members.

3. What is the CEF’s Mission and Operating Principles?

The mission of the CEF is to work in partnership with our schools and the community at large to promote excellence in Cohasset’s public education.

The CEF completed a vigorous strategic planning process to clarify the operating principles and mission statement of the organization. The result is a clear set of operating principles for the CEF:

Collaborate: Collaborate with school administrators, teachers and relevant town boards to identify and fund strategic investments in the Cohasset schools.

Support: Support our teachers and schools by providing them with the incremental resources that they need to enable innovation and ensure student success.

Celebrate: Celebrate the achievements of our students, teachers and schools. Innovation and success deserve to be recognized and encouraged.

4. How does the CEF raise money?

Each year, the fundraising starts anew. There are many ways to give – chose one opportunity, chose multiple opportunities, but please participate in promoting excellence in Cohasset public schools.

Annual Appeal 
A letter is mailed to all Cohasset residents in November each year. This is the easiest way to give – just send in your donation in the enclosed envelope. If you prefer, visit the website and click on the Donations tab. You will find a Donate Now button which will allow you to donate via credit card.

Phonathon
Early February of each year, the CEF enlists the support of middle and high school students to conduct a phonathon campaign for donations. The students work hard over two nights calling the residents of Cohasset to share information about the CEF and ask for a donation. If you see the CEF on your caller id – answer the call! It’s an easy way to contribute and make a big impact.

Spelling Bee 
This fun filled fundraising event is open to all 2nd to 5th graders. The Spelling Bee is held each year in February.

Spring Fundraiser 
Each year the CEF holds a premier event for parents. This casual and fun night out is as much a community builder as it is a fundraiser. Visit the website in January for more details on this year’s fundraising event.

Other Events 
The CEF is always thinking up new fun fundraising events. Stay tuned for latest the CEF event updates by following us on Instagram or Facebook. If you want to join our mailing list, please send us your contact information in the “Contact Us” tab of this website.

5. How much has the CEF raised in donations? How much is awarded?

The CEF has funded more than $1.5 million in grants, comprised of approximately 160 grants as of Spring 2022. Since inception, 1,256 Individual Donors have contributed more than $1.8 million, and corporate support totals approximately $127,000 either in the form of advertisements or grants. The CEF has received Matching Gifts totaling just under $135,000. The CEF has also built a principal-preserved endowment to ensure the long-term health of the Cohasset school district.

6. What kind of donations can you make to the CEF?

The CEF welcomes donations large and small: cash, stock and in-kind donations. Although donor participation has been noteworthy, we continue to work hard to communicate our mission to the community and hope that our donor base continues to grow year to year.

7. What types of grants does the CEF fund?

Our strategic focus is to expand the types of projects we support as the opportunities become available. Aligning with the school district’s strategic goals, we will aim to support initiatives across grade levels and subjects in several key areas including:

21st Century Classroom (including universal design furnishing and digital literacy)
Expanding Core Curriculum (including differentiated learning)
After-School Enrichment
College Preparatory
Overall focus on social well-being

For a full listing of the grants that the CEF has awarded, clink on the link to see more detail about Awarded Grants.

8. How are grants approved? Who reviews grant applications?

If you have questions regarding the process or are interested in submitting a grant, please contact the Grants Committee Chair: Ruth Steel, Ruthsteel@hotmail.com.

9. How can I help?

In addition to financial support, volunteering is a great way to give back to the schools. Many opportunities exist throughout the school year to help with the various fundraisers. If you would like to volunteer at a CEF event, please contact the CEF at info@cohasseteducation.org.

10. Who can I call if I have questions about the CEF?

For questions and additional information about the CEF, please contact us at info@cohasseteducation.org.

Or if you prefer, you can also contact any of the CEF Board members directly.