Calling all ICSD Parents, Alumni and Friends, Teachers and Staff!
IPEI is Turning Twenty, Consider #20for20 on Giving Tuesday, November 29
Giving Tuesday is the 24-hour global giving challenge celebrating the life-changing work of not-for-profit organizations. Observed annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it kicks off the end-of-year and holiday charitable season.
The Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) encourages gifts commemorating its founding 20 years ago. Community members including Ithaca City School District (ICSD) staff, parents, and alumni can join the anniversary celebration by donating $20 on #NYGivesDay on #GivingTuesday: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/IPEIGT2016
Help spread the word to others when making an online gift at ipei.org at any time, but especially on November 29 using the special giving form http://weblink.donorperfect.com/IPEIGT2016 in celebration of the importance of community support of IPEI’s mission and impact since its founding in 1996.
When supporting IPEI, please share with others using social media or email messages. Consider also adding #20for20, #IPEIturns20, or #IPEI #TurningTwenty.
IPEI was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status in 1996 because a group of local citizens including business people, parents and educators saw the need for more community connections and private relationships in support of the ICSD. IPEI volunteers, board members and staff continue to support teachers and community members seeking to enhance the education of every student.
This mission remains manifest in IPEI’s oldest program: Teacher Grants for individual teachers fund innovative educational projects that involve a community partner and that cannot be funded through tax dollars. In addition, IPEI has become a vehicle to increase school access to community resources by creating additional grant programs, collaborations, affiliates, and initiatives.
IPEI Executive Director Steven Manley expressed, “As IPEI turns 20, there is much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to as we continue to expand and improve our support for innovation and creativity. Our third decade will engage a new generation of local volunteers and community partners to continue the mission by increasing opportunities throughout the ICSD.”
According to Matt Braun, president of the IPEI Board, “IPEI made 1,700 grants and awards between 1996 and 2016 totaling approximately $1.6 million, due to the community’s generous support!”
Jennifer Engel was a member of the task force that became the first IPEI Board, and she has continued as an active volunteer and supporter. Reflecting on IPEI’s evolution and its potential, she remarked, “The possibilities are endless! As IPEI turns 20, we can think about ‘what’s next?’ and how to continue our role making sure that education in Ithaca is the very best it can be.”