\n\t\tDownload financial documents\n\t<\/h4>\n\n\t\tFrequently Asked Questions\n\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhy does the school district need a foundation?<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Why does the school district need a foundation?<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
How does the foundation decide what initiatives to fund?<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
How is the foundation funded?<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
How can donors trust that their contributions will be used responsibly and have an impact on students and educators?<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Is the public school foundation model a new concept?<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t![\"Oaklawn-Language-Academy_10\"](\"https:\/\/www.cms-foundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Oaklawn-Language-Academy_10-1024x576.jpg\" "\\"Oaklawn-Language-Academy_10\\"")
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get to know us<\/h6>Our People & Priorities<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t
With the help of our dedicated board, talented team, and the local philanthropic community, including generous donors and supportive advocates like you, we develop initiatives and programs that support educators as they foster the potential of nearly 150,000 students in CMS schools.<\/p>\n\t\t
Board of Directors<\/h4>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Meet our dedicated Board of Directors, making a difference in public education in our community.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tlearn more\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t The CMS Foundation staff team helps ensure that your private investments have a meaningful, sustainable impact.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tlearn more\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t As the official nonprofit partner for CMS schools, we raise money to support the district’s highest strategic priorities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tlearn more\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t We seed innovative ideas and help expand existing programs to accelerate system-wide transformation.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tlearn more\n\t\t<\/a>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Our Financials Financial Information Responsible Stewardship The CMS Foundation values integrity and transparency in fiscal management. We are committed to the responsible stewardship of funds and adhere to the\u00a0Code of Ethical Standards\u00a0and\u00a0Donor Bill of Rights\u00a0set forth by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and partner organizations. We hold ourselves accountable to the teachers, students and generous …<\/p>\nMeet Our Team<\/h4>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Fundraising Priorities<\/h4>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
Our Programs<\/h4>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t