Engage. Create. Belong.
These three core words help define Zionsville Community Schools—and the parents, partners and friends in the community who believe in academic excellence and a unique culture that encourages exploration and growth.
Behind one of the top-performing school districts in Indiana is a strong support system. For more than 30 years, the Zionsville Education Foundation (ZEF) has helped students and teachers dream big. ZEF recently celebrated this huge milestone along with another: reaching $2 million in grants awarded to Zionsville Community Schools.
The foundation plays a vital role in strengthening the schools through funding innovative learning experiences, programs and materials for students and teachers.
AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Executive Director Catherine Moser leads the foundation, which provides a variety of educator-inspired grants thanks to the vital support of donors, local businesses and community members. Strengthening partnerships among schools, families, businesses and communities are key priorities for the foundation.
“It is a special thing to be surrounded by teachers, administrators, staff, board members and other volunteers who are passionate about serving our students. It’s exciting to think about what we can accomplish together.”
—Catherine Moser, ZEF Executive Director
With a background in higher education, human resources, and learning and development, Moser is pleased to be able to contribute in her own backyard, especially with two children in Zionsville schools.
Although Zionsville schools are consistently recognized among the best in Indiana, they receive the lowest per-pupil funding in the state. That makes ZEF’s efforts to engage community support even more important.
GRANTS THAT ELEVATE LEARNING
While some education foundations operate as part of a school system and have different priorities, ZEF is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on benefiting current educators and students, keeping all funds in Zionsville.
Each spring and fall, ZEF board members, staff and volunteers parade through school hallways and classrooms to surprise teachers with grant announcements. Students and teachers join in to celebrate these special moments that lead to inspiring experiences to come!
“ZEF makes so many things possible across our schools … They really touch all of our buildings and all of our students. The impact is so wide-ranging.” —Katie Aeschliman, ZCS Board of Trustees President
ZEF provides five types of grants to help educators reach students in new ways, including:
Classroom grants apply to specific equipment, kits, books and materials that educators request to enhance learning. Recent examples include specialized LEGO CS & AI kits for middle school science classes, K-4 calming toolkits and supplies to equip a popular high school art class in jewelry making.
Professional Development grants can send educators to conferences, bring content experts into the district and engage with the latest research and data to inspire fresh concepts and elevate their teaching.
Strategic grants are larger, district-wide grants that can help launch new ideas or expand successful projects. Examples include providing seed funding for a robotics program in each school or sending all district social workers to a conference.
Student Enrichment grants are for school-sanctioned student groups or student-led initiatives. Recent examples have included new equipment in Middle School and High School Maker’s Spaces and supporting Business Professionals of America students in their state and national competitions.
Donors Choose matching grants help with smaller requests from educators who are raising funds for educational projects or supplies. Recent past projects include expanded book options for classrooms and personal desk organizers for math students.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Two significant fundraisers help support the grants and involve the community in fun ways. Trivia Night is a casual, entertaining evening held annually in February. Teams of eight vie for bragging rights in an atmosphere filled with friendly competition. Hambone’s Trivia runs the popular event.
Coming up on November 7, ZEF Bash will attract a packed house, offering a reception, live entertainment by Living Proof, dinner, open bar, gift card pull, silent auction and raffles. To join the fun and support the schools, purchase tickets or donate on the ZEF website or scan the QR code.
ZEF fuels curiosity, creativity and excellence—and celebrates a community invested in the educators and students who are creating the future.
The Zionsville Education Foundation is located at 900 Mulberry Street in Zionsville. To learn more, call 317.733.4805, email ZEF@ZCS.k12.in.us or visit online at zionsvilleeducationfoundation.org.
