One of the primary roles of a school foundation is to raise and manage private donations to support projects, programs and opportunities that would otherwise not be possible due to limited funding. Foundations also help to support schools by promoting awareness of District activity through community involvement and networking, as well as generating support for public schools through advocacy activities. Plus, it’s a great way to reconnect with Generals locally and across the country!
Anthony Wayne Local Schools’ operating budget is primarily consumed by salaries and benefits for its staff, followed by other day-to-day operational expenses like contracted educational services agreements, transportation, utilities, supplies and more. With school funding increasingly stretched thin, and property and income tax levies becoming more difficult to pass, there is little—if any—money available for innovation, new programs, facility improvements, or other efforts needed to keep pace with evolving student needs, educational standards, and community expectations. A dedicated foundation helps bridge this gap, supporting the kinds of advancements and enhancements that the core budget can no longer sustain.
Structure
Generals for Generations is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates independently from the District and the Board of Education. It will be led by a Board of Directors composed of volunteers who are passionate about providing a strong educational foundation for Anthony Wayne Local Schools students.
Timeline
- August 2025: Thanks to a generous donation a group of District representatives (District Core Team) are working with Jenny Perin of Shift Consulting to prepare the framework for establishing the Generals for Generations Foundation and a system of fund development, alumni relations, communications, donor stewardship, and donor recognition.
- Fall 2025: District representatives to host networking events to connect with community members with a reputation for demonstrating pride in and support for Anthony Wayne Local Schools. Interested individuals will have opportunities to make an impact on the success of the Foundation through volunteerism, philanthropy, and strategic guidance.
- January 2025: The Board of Directors has been identified and initial meetings are planned.
- End of First Quarter 2026: Goal date for Foundation infrastructure to be in place.
Draft Mission Statement
Connecting generations of Anthony Wayne Generals with meaningful philanthropic opportunities that support students and promote academic, artistic, and athletic excellence.
Potential Impact Areas
The District has identified three primary areas in which a foundation could have the largest impact on Anthony Wayne Local Schools students: Goals & Projects
It’s too early to say what projects the foundation will pursue first, but the sky is the limit and creativity is welcome! Examples of recent projects supported by foundations in neighboring school districts include:
- Career Tech Equipment - Anatomage Table, Washington Local Schools
- The Foundry and Wondry STEAM Centers and Kaden’s Family Fitness Center at Ottawa Hills Local Schools.
- Richard Kazmaier Stadium renovations, Maumee City Schools
- Huskinsson Athletic Center, and programmatic and equipment support for the arts programs, Perrysburg Local Schools
We are looking forward to hearing from our community members in regards to their vision for how Generals for Generations can support Anthony Wayne Local Schools students.
Photos: Informal informational meetings were held to educate members of the community about the launch of Generals for Generations, a philanthropic organization in support of Anthony Wayne Local Schools. Many thanks to Anthony Wayne Local Schools, Adventure Spirits and the Wine Room at Wheeler Farms for allowing us to use their meeting spaces.