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History of the Organization

 

1987 LPS receives $150,000 from the Elizabeth Grone Estate to help high school students participate in a 3 weeks language immersion course in either Spain, France or Germany

1988 A foundation is researched by the LPS Board of Education. A steering committee meets tirelessly over eight months to create the Foundation structure Brad Korrell, President; Ross McCown, VP; Rich Vierk, treasurer; Jerry Dimon, Kit Dimon, Phil Schoo, secretary; Sally Knudsen (dec), Art Thompson, Lorraine Pallesen, Cathie Petsch, Dave Myers, Clyde Johnson, Ruth Massengale and Ex Dir Karen Ward.

1989 The LPS Foundation is launched and separated from the Board of Education on April 25. (The School Board doubled as the Foundation Board until Superintendent Phil Schoo said that they should expand the Foundation concept). The first Foundation office was in the old district offices near Lincoln High and the Executive Director and one secretary shared one desk!

1989 Karen Ward was named Executive Director.

1990 The first printed annual report was provided to the community. LPS Foundation moved into its new office space located in the school district’s new administration building.

1991 Four new restricted funds were created to provide scholarships.

1992 Barbara Bartle is named Executive Director. The Foundation, through support of Woods Charitable Fund, purchases computer software to track LPS alumni and begins the process of accumulating a database.

1993 LPS Foundation receives a $1.2 million grant from the DeWitt Wallace Reader’s Digest Fund for elementary and middle school libraries.

1994 LPS Foundation receives $195,000 from the Darlene Miller estate.

1995 LPS Foundation receives a $20,000 planning grant for Comprehensive School Health from the Center for Disease Control. LPS Foundation becomes the fiscal agent for a $200,000 Connecting Neighborhood Partnership grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

1996 LPS Foundation establishes a Board of Trustees. LPS Foundation receives a $50,000 three-year Comprehensive School Health Implementation grant. LPS Foundation receives a $40,000 Library Power Sustaining the change grant from the DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund.

1997 LPS Foundation contracts with The Gallup Organization to conduct a survey to assess perceptions on educational priorities and concerns for LPS.

1998 LPS Foundation launches Friends program to focus on public engagement.

1999 LPS Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary! The Foundation awarded 50 student scholarships, 11 educator awards, disbursed $15,000 for collaborative grants, and granted $600,000 in total distributions.

1999 LPS Foundation receives $100,000 from the Lincoln Community Foundation for a Children and Youth Initiative grant to study and initiate a pilot program of Community Learning Centers in Lincoln.

2000 LPS Foundation receives a $55,000 grant from the Public Education Network to initiate a research and public engagement program addressing teacher quality and student performance.

2001 LPS Foundation received a $536,000 grant from the Public Education Network for community learning centers. This initiative targets 15 schools that provide opportunities and support services that led to improved student learning and development, stronger families and healthier neighborhoods.

2003 The Board of Directors approves the new name Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools. Foundation launches new web-based program, Fund-A-Need.

2005 Fund-A-Need is named the Internet Fundraising Program of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals at their international conference Executive Director Barbara Bartle elected to the Public Education Network Board of Directors

2006 Foundation named winner of the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award for Charitable Organizations.

2007 Foundation assets reached an all-time high of $4.5 million. Legacy Society established for donors leaving gifts in their will to the FLPS.

2008 Foundation launches the public phase of Great Schools…Forever! campaign with a goal of $10 million by 2010. $250,000 gift received for Project Lead the Way.

2009 Foundation receives $1M bequest from John and Nancy Stubbs, Boston, MA. 25% for Lincoln High School, John’s alma mater, and 75% for the John and Nancy Stubbs Fund for Excellence in Education. FLPS Celebrates 20th Anniversary! $175,000 grant received from the Lumina Foundation for College Access Program for middle school students at the CLCs.

2010 $11.1 million raised by first ever campaign. Sharon Wherry elected President of the FLPS. First ‘Behind the Scenes Tour’ of the $1 million Student Athlete Development Center (Oct.)

2011 Second ‘Behind the Scenes Tour’ at the $500K International Baccalaureate Program at Lincoln High School (April). Memorial Day fire destroys the LPSDO office, including the FLPS offices.

2012 $100,000 bequest received from Ted Sorensen to support an annual speaker on public affairs. Foundation assets reach $6.6 million. The Foundation gave out 161 college scholarships and 91 Fund A Need classrooms plus 48 families received emergency need funds. 

2013 LPS announces a Career Academy to help students chart a path after high school. FLPS moves into the new LPSDO office at 5905 O St. Fund A Need celebrated 10 years and gave 942 classroom grants worth over $462,905 to student needs. FLPS gave 141 scholarships, 166 Fund A Need grants and helped 60 families with emergency needs. 

2014 Wendy Van DeLaCastro named President of the FLPS. $1,000,000 unrestricted gift is received from an anonymous donor and put in the Foundation’s operating endowment. In April the Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over $800,000 is distributed to various projects. Assets reach $9M. Robert Carstens Scholarship Program Launches. 

2015 $2.6M goal for The Career Academy. The first annual Inspire Awards are held at Northstar High School. Prosper Lincoln, a community wide needs assessment and planning process begins and the Foundation is named to the steering committee.

2016 Spark Summer Learning is launched serving about 50 elementary school children at Adams Elementary School. Wells Fargo gift of $25K to support 2Gen Learning. Carstens Scholars Program is formalized and seven students are awarded $10K/year for four years. 

2017 Foundation supports Family Literacy/2Gen Learning, with continued support for TCA. Developed first ever MOU with LPS, converted to cloud based RE/FE, launched Spread the Love events. Partnered with NELNET to build and launch Foundation Give to upgrade the Fund A Need Experience.

2018 Partnered with Gallup, Lincoln Vital Signs and local businesses to implement the Future Builders Challenge. Launched Honor Roll Society, and launched the Gratitude (Stewardship) program, brought on HBE for bookkeeping support.

2019 Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary. $100K gift to support Den Hartog Field Restoration. Joe Meehan Scholarship established. Foundation supports Graduation Pathways, Stuart Elliott contributes $800,000 to support student needs, Pat Campbell Estate supports renovations at Special Education Independence Academy, Community Health Endowment supports walking track and playground at Arnold Elementary. 

2020 In March, Shelter In Place ordinances forces LPS to begin remote learning. COVID-19 response efforts launched raising $400K for emergency needs and mental health support of LPS students.
 

The Numbers

  • Schools Served

    60

  • Focus & Specialty Programs Served

    15

  • Students Empowered

    41,784

  • Teachers & Staff Supported

    7,500+

  • Funds Received This Year

    $1.20M

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