FY2008 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

Most donations for the Foundation's work come from individuals and corporations. CUSF is an IRS accepted non-profit organization (501(c)3 as a publicly supported charitable organization (509(A)(3)), funded by private donations and governed by a volunteer board of directors.

How do we choose the award winning grants?

Grant proposals are submitted by Illinois District Unit 4 and Unit 116 public school teachers. Projects are selected for funding based on the grant program chosen and on the following criteria:

• Proposals are considered for all grade levels and subject areas in the Champaign and Urbana public schools. Any ideas that have the potential to enrich learning opportunities for children in Champaign-Urbana are welcome. A committee of citizens and board members carefully reviews each application against a comprehensive rubric.
• Proposals for staff development and services to students and teachers are eligible.
• In most cases, funds will not be appropriated for salary for existing staff or substitute teachers, the purchase of textbooks for regular curricula, or the purchase of supplies to support existing curricula.
• Funds will be granted one year at a time. If funding is sought for an additional year(s), the applicant will be expected to reapply with a full grant proposal. A final report is required of each recipient.

The CUSF is proud to be a member of GuideStar, sponsored by Philanthropic Research, Inc., a public charity. Click on the GuideStar logo to visit its Web site — a resource dedicated to improving the efficacy and credibility of non-profit organizations and providing information to assist donors in making sound decisions. Although some information is available to you via membership, our current 990 and organizing information is available at no charge on this site.

Endowment Funds and Restricted Gifts
CUSF is home to Several Endowments for Local Public Education

• The Carle Foundation Endowment for Educational Excellence
• The Junior League of Champaign Urbana Endowment for Educational Excellence
• The Champaign Rotary Endowment for Educational Excellence
• The Gene Amberg Teaching Chair for Educational Excellence
• The Dan Perrino Urbana Bands Education Fund
• The Champaign Centennial High School Athletic Endowment Fund
• The Hester Suggs Endowment for the Arts and Humanities
• The Orange Krush Recognition Chair Endowment

All of these funds have been established by private citizen groups to direct giving to a specific need in perpetuity and giving to these funds is an active and ongoing effort. If you choose to make a donation to a specific endowment please make sure that you designate where you want to have your gift applied either in the memo line of your check, or, for online giving, in the appropriate blank.

• How much money does CUSF need create an Endowment?
  An contracted endowed fund is established based on a minimum of $1,000 as the lead gift. Disbursements will not begin until the accumulated growth and donations reach a minimum of $5,000. Goals of at least $25,000 are encouraged so that yearly awards are significant.

Planned Giving is an Effective Way to Ensure Support of Excellence in our Public Schools

Please consider naming the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation as a beneficiary of your estate in your estate planning efforts. CUSF has many opportunities for establishing what will prove vital for our public schools and beneficial to you. CUSF is a registered 501(c)3 as a charitable organization. Contact your Estate Planner and let them know your wishes. If you would like more information, call Gail Rost at 217-384-4332 or e-mail info@CUSchoolsFoundation.org. There are many sites on the internet that provide information about Charitable Gift Planning. An appointment with your estate planner is a good place to get started.

For more information contact Gail Rost, Executive Director of CUSF, at 217/384-4332 or info@CUschoolsfoundation.org