Week of Online Giving 2015
April 19-26
The 2015 Givin’ Where I’m Livin’ (GWIL) campaign provides support and publicity for local non-profit charitable organizations competing for GWIL matching funds during the campaign’s Week of Online Giving, April 19-26. Around Dripping Springs is pleased to feature this series of GWIL non-profit profiles to help publicize their unique missions to the community. We invite you to get to know these wonderful organizers and learn more about the important work they are each doing to enrich our community. Please share their stories, and be sure to donate to your favorite during the Week of Online Giving! Learn more at: http://www.GivinWhereImLivin.org
NOW MEET THE DRIPPING SPRINGS EDUCATION FOUNDATION:
WHEN, HOW, AND WHY WAS YOUR ORGANIZATION FOUNDED?
We are the Dripping Springs Education Foundation. We were formed in 1992 and have been operating to support academic excellence, leadership and innovation for all students in the Dripping Springs ISD. Our current President is Joanne Cicala Inscore and we are led by an active board of community leaders interested and motivated to continuing the outstanding reputation of Dripping Springs ISD.
WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY MISSION?
DSEF raises money to support innovative teaching, student leadership and other DSISD priorities. Innovative Teaching and Student Leadership Grants provide students and teachers a mechanism to fund creative ideas that enhance and enrich our students’ educational experience. Our grants to fund other district priorities enable the DSISD to maximize opportunities for excellence in academics and 21st Century learning objectives
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUR EFFORTS?
The DSEF has sent a strong message, and has demonstrated to our teachers and students, that there is support for innovative ideas and leadership projects. We challenge teachers and students to reach higher in their academic pursuits to transform their ideas into plans of action that result in positive change for themselves, their schools and the district as a whole. Our messaging has resulted in over $700,000 in funding over the years in myriad programs providing benefits across all interests and disciplines. Whether through the purchase of cutting edge equipment for the use by the HS science students, or MS robotics and welding support of innovative teaching projects at the elementary school level, the Foundation is now firmly on our stakeholders’ radar as a support of critical forward thinking activity. Our Districts’ confidence in the mission is exemplified by the fact that 77% of DSISD teachers contribute financially personally to the DSEF. We are striving for even more community awareness and support as the District continues to evolve and grow in size, presenting constant new challenges.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRIMARY GOALS IN 2015? 
We anticipate funding over $80,000 in Innovative Teaching Grants in the spring of 2015 and expect to award over $7000 in Student Leadership Grants in the fall of 2015 to support growth of students in all forms of academic pursuit. We are also rolling out the new Nick LeFevre Community Youth Fund to provide funding for students who confront economic barriers to participation in school activities and events. Our overarching goal is to increase awareness of the Foundation and support of our programs and capacities so we may continue to meet the challenges presented by the growth and evolution of our District. We expect our support will encourage all members of the DSISD community to “Reach Higher and Inspire”.
HOW CAN FOLKS DONATE OR VOLUNTEER YEAR ROUND?
Volunteer opportunities include our two biggest fundraising events, the Schoolhouse Scramble Golf Tournament in the fall and the Denim & Diamonds Gala in the spring. Interested community leaders can reach the Dripping Springs Education Foundation at the DSISD Administrative office at 510 West Mercer Street or by calling 512-858-3063. We welcome interested parties to apply for our board to help the quality growth of our schools and community.
Around Dripping Springs 