Donations to foundation will now be tax deductible
BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

JACKSON - The Jackson Educational Foundation, which was founded in 2005, has received 501(c)(3) status.

The foundation provides grants for special projects in Jackson's elementary schools, middle schools and high schools that are not funded through the regular school budget.

Martin Spielman, the president and founder of the foundation, said, "It has been extremely important that we have the designation as a 501(c)(3) foundation because anything we do in terms of fundraising is now a tax deduction. When we do things like a giving campaign or creating an endowment fund, people will know they will be able to deduct [their donations] from their income tax."

Spielman said the foundation's 501(c)(3) status will generate more donations.

"It also gives people a feeling of permanence," he said. "The foundation has been there, is there and will be there in the future."

He said the foundation operates according to federal law and said at least 90 to 95 percent of the money that is collected goes back to the students in one form or another.

Spielman said the 501(c)(3) status is primarily geared to people who make donations and use the donation as a tax deduction.

The foundation is comprised of local business owners, professionals, parents and members of the educational community. The foundation is separate and distinct from the Jackson Board of Education and from the Jackson School District. The foundation is a not-for-profit organization.

Membership grew from an initial 10 members to more than 30 active members as the foundation began a series of fundraising events that included a giving campaign, a battle of the bands, a luncheon fashion show and an alumni picnic.

The foundation's first project provided interactive SMART boards to all elementary

schools in the district. Innovative projects were encouraged as the foundation

provided mini-grants to teachers. During 2007 the foundation initiated a scholarship program for graduating high school seniors.

During the 2007-08 school year the foundation is hoping to receive a $50,000 grant which has been applied for. The foundation anticipates fundraising this year to net $40,000 through a variety of events.

Proceeds this year are expected to fund laptop tablets in conjunction with LCD

projectors and screens for both

middle schools and Jackson

Memorial High School,

scholarship awards and

funding for special

needs projects.

The foundation will

honor a Teacher of the

Year in each school and a

district Teacher of the Year. Honors are also expected to be bestowed upon bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and custodial and support staff who go the extra mile to support students in the school district.

The foundation is hoping to fund a staff recognition program in 2009.

The goal of the Jackson Educational Foundation is to raise a minimum of $20 per student or a total of $200,000 within three to five years and $40 per student in the future.

The foundation sponsored a Battle of the Bands at Jackson Memorial High School on Jan. 19.

Upcoming programs will include:

• Casino Night, Feb. 16 at the Claflin House at Lakewood Country Club, Lakewood.

• Art auction, March 6 at the Knights of Columbus hall, Bartley Road, Jackson.

• A pre-prom luncheon and fashion show, March 29 La Bove Grande at Circle Landmark, Lakehurst.

• Carnival Day, June 7 at the Jackson Memorial High School soccer field.

• Alumni picnic, Aug. 16 or Aug. 17 at Frogbridge Day Camp, Millstone Township.

For additional information visit www.jacksoneducationalfoundation.org.