Fund for Public Schools

Fund for Public Schools
Name	Fund for Public Schools
Founded	2002
Location	New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	Richard Buery Jr. (CEO, New York City Department of Education)
Focus	Educational philanthropy, public school support
Website	https://www.fundforpublicschools.org/

Fund for Public Schools. The Fund for Public Schools is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the primary philanthropic partner to the New York City Department of Education. Established to attract private investment and strategic partnerships, it supports innovative programs and critical resources for the nation's largest public school system. The organization works to bridge gaps in public funding, directing contributions toward initiatives in literacy, STEM education, college readiness, and career pathways for students across New York City's five boroughs.

Overview

Operating under the auspices of the New York City Department of Education, the organization channels private donations and corporate grants to enhance educational opportunities within the city's vast network of public schools. Its mission aligns with the strategic goals set by the Chancellor and mayoral administration, focusing on equity and excellence. Key support areas have historically included the Universal Pre-K initiative, the Computer Science for All program, and efforts to strengthen Advanced Placement offerings. The fund operates independently but in close coordination with the city's educational leadership, including the Panel for Educational Policy.

History

The fund was created in 2002 during the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who centralized the city's school system under mayoral control. Its formation was part of a broader strategy to leverage private sector expertise and resources to complement public education funding. A significant early initiative was supporting the creation of new small schools and career and technical education programs. Over the years, it has launched and scaled major campaigns, such as the "NYC Literacy for All" initiative and partnerships for arts education. The fund's scope expanded notably under Chancellor Carmen Fariña and continued through the tenures of Chancellors Richard Carranza and David C. Banks.

Programs and Initiatives

The organization manages a diverse portfolio of programs targeting specific student needs and systemic improvements. Major initiatives include the Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides work experiences for high school students, and the Single Shepherd program, designed to increase counseling support in the Bronx and Brooklyn. It also funds the AP for All initiative, which aims to expand access to Advanced Placement courses in every high school. Other key areas involve supporting Community Schools, investing in robotics and coding through partnerships with entities like Google and the Robin Hood Foundation, and enhancing teacher development through the New York City Teaching Fellows program.

Fundraising and Partnerships

Fundraising efforts are spearheaded by a board of directors comprising leaders from finance, technology, media, and philanthropy, such as BlackRock and the Tiger Foundation. The organization hosts annual galas and cultivation events, often attended by prominent figures like Anna Wintour and Stephen Ross. It forges strategic partnerships with major corporations, including Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup, for targeted programs. Collaborative ventures with cultural institutions like the New York Public Library, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History provide enriched learning experiences. Grants from national foundations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, have been instrumental for multi-year projects.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, the fund has raised and deployed hundreds of millions of dollars, directly affecting over one million students. Measurable achievements include a significant expansion of Universal Pre-K seats, contributing to the city's high enrollment rates in early childhood education. Its support for the Computer Science for All initiative helped establish coding classes in hundreds of schools, reaching students in communities from Washington Heights to Far Rockaway. The fund's investment in college access programs, like College Access for All, has increased the number of students completing FAFSA forms and enrolling in institutions like the City University of New York. It also played a critical role in supporting school communities during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City by facilitating technology distribution and remote learning resources.

Governance and Structure

The fund is governed by a board of directors that includes the Chancellor and appointed civic and business leaders. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director and staff who work within the Tweed Courthouse, the headquarters of the New York City Department of Education. Fiscal oversight and grant management adhere to standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and are subject to audit. The organization's activities and allocations are closely aligned with the strategic framework established by the New York City Department of Education, ensuring that private funding complements rather than supplants public budgetary responsibilities.

Category:Educational foundations in the United States Category:Organizations based in New York City Category:2002 establishments in New York (state)