Our Financials

The knowledge and skills required to succeed in our global society continue to evolve and so do the needs of our education system. Public funding alone is not enough to provide our students and educators the opportunities they need and deserve to be successful. While CMS receives funding through tax dollars, the majority of these funds are restricted (approximately 70%) and can only be used in specific categories like salaries, supplies and facilities. This is why support from the philanthropic community is so critical. Private investments can be used for more than just meeting basic needs. They can seed innovative ideas and help take proven programs to scale. They provide the power needed to truly transform education, which ultimately transforms the entire community.

The CMS Foundation works closely with CMS educators to understand the district’s most urgent strategic priorities and identify where private investment can help accelerate progress.

The CMS Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is primarily sustained through private fundraising efforts. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools contributes to the foundation‘s work by providing office space, supplies, technology and administrative support.

The mission of the CMS Foundation is to be the trusted bridge between Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and the donor community. While the foundation is the official fundraising partner for CMS, it is an independent entity that is governed by community representatives. Because of its unique position, the CMS Foundation is able to understand and respond to the district’s needs while being accountable and responsive to the community. Additionally, the foundation serves as an accountability source for CMS. Foundation staff work closely with district leaders to ensure funds are used strategically and that programs are implemented with fidelity. Staff members also report outcomes to donors. Helping donors understand the impact of their investments is an important part of the foundation’s role.

No, this model is not a new concept. In cities across the nation (e.g., New York, Chicago, Denver and Washington, DC), foundations have long served as strategic partners that connect the philanthropic community to public schools and steward private investments to impact student achievement. The foundation to support Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools was established in 2004 and has recently been revitalized to better serve the students, educators and community partners in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.