The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools ranked seventh on nonprofit think tank The Caruthers Institute’s recently released study, “
Stepping Up: The Nation’s Top K-12 Education Foundations.”
Its first year participating in the national study — conducted in 2016 but based on 2014 data — the SPS fundraising organization cracked the top 10 out of 188 foundations reviewed, according to a news release.
Since its inception 26 years ago, the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools has provided over $17 million to SPS students via classroom support and scholarships. In the last two years, awards have totaled $1.5 million.
“The success of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools belongs to the Springfield community members who believe in and support our public education system,” foundation Executive Director Natalie Murdock said in the release. “Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of the students we serve. The impact we have now will make our community even better in the years to come.”
The Caruthers Institute’s study ranked foundations based on eight categories: annual revenue, revenue per student, total assets, assets per student, investment income, program expenses, expense per student and volunteers.
In the 2014-15 academic year, SPS student enrollment was 25,055, according to data provided by Foundation for Springfield Public Schools officials. The data for the foundation used on The Caruthers Institute list was:
• annual revenue of $1.1 million;
• annual revenue per student of $41.97;
• total assets of $5.4 million;
• total assets per students of $214.27;
• investment income of $77,901;
• program expenses of $962,660;
• expense per student of $38.42; and
• total volunteers of 100.
Combined, the foundations had 2014 assets of $506 million, $359 million in funds raised, $161 million in investments to grants and programs, and 45,000 volunteers, according to the release. According to the study, 2014 was the year with the most recent data.
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