Dover’s SEED launches endowment campaign

posted on: 1/16/2018

The Seacoast Educational Endowment of Dover (SEED), a nonprofit organization dedicated to lifting academic excellence in Dover schools by granting scholarships to public educators, is pleased to announce it has received $8,500 in donations to launch phase 1 of its endowment campaign.

Donations from Chad and Sheila Kageleiry, Paul Cox Trust on behalf of Paul Cox & Martha Cox and their family, and The Duffy Family Trust will serve to launch the Lighting the Way to Learning appeal, which is an intense effort by SEED’s entirely volunteer-led organization to raise $150,000 toward creating a $500,000 endowment fund.

SEED was created out of a concern by local business owners about the lack of 21st century skills of people entering the workforce. As education budgets everywhere continue to experience cuts, the need to underwrite innovative learning curriculum designed to enhance students’ skill sets continues today.

The overarching goal of the multi-year campaign is to raise $500,000 through individual, board, and corporate giving to create an endowment fund which will allow SEED to use interest and dividends to fund grants in perpetuity.

“Establishing a legacy fund will allow SEED to finance grants for years to come,” said Angela Carter, president of the SEED Board. “This was the vision of our founders and is shared by the current Board of Directors. We are grateful to these donors for their generous donations.”

SEED has been granting awards twice annually since 2011. By June 2018, SEED will have exceeded $100,000 in education grants for programs, practices, and resources for students across all grades in Dover public schools. The Lighting the Way to Learning campaign is seeking just 50 donations of $500 to offset initial account set up. As a 501C3, donations made to SEED are tax deductible. For more information about the campaign, to become a sponsor or donate, please visit www.doverseed.org.

Formed in 2011, SEED is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to promote academic excellence, champion technology and reward educator innovation in Dover’s public schools. SEED support is not intended to replace appropriate municipal funding. SEED raises private philanthropic dollars and provides grant funds, on a competitive basis, to educators who submit formal applications. SEED’s overarching goals are to create a legacy for educational excellence in Dover Public Schools and to advocate the value of education in the community. SEED welcomes donations of time, talent, and resources. To get involved, please contact info@DoverSeed.org.