F.A.Q.'s
Why was CSF created?
CSF was created in 1993 by community parents who sought to help fund innovative ideas and programs that could not be supported by the school budget.
Is Chappaqua the only town with a privately funded school foundation?
No. In fact, most towns in Westchester and many across the country that boast nationally recognized school districts enjoy active, thriving foundations including Byram Hills, Scarsdale and Bronxville as well as Beverly Hills, CA, Weston, MA, and Shaker Heights, OH.
Who determines how donations are allocated?
All grant requests are reviewed by the Chappaqua Central School District and submitted to the CSF Board of Directors for consideration. Allocation of funds is determined based on an established set of written grant criteria, the goal of providing each school with representation and available funds.
Who submits grants and how many are awarded annually?
Typically, grant applications are submitted by teachers or the District, but any parent, student or community member may submit an application they co-write with a CCSD staff member. On average, approximately 8-10 Traditional Grants and 10-12 InstaGrants are awarded each year. This varies depending on the number of applications submitted, whether proposed grants meet CSF’s grant criteria and their cost.
How does CSF interact with the school district?
The Superintendent and a designated member of the Board of Education are non-voting members of the CSF Board. The District assists CSF in evaluating proposed grants to ensure their educational value, relevance to the curriculum, alignment with district goals and sustainability through the school budget.
Are there restrictions on what CSF can fund?
Yes – CSF may not pay directly for the District’s operating costs including faculty salaries, maintenance and general infrastructure costs. Grants are “gifts” to the District, which must be formally accepted by the Board of Education through a vote.
What percentage of donations are distributed to the schools?
CSF is a not-for-profit organization consisting of an all-volunteer board with no staff, overhead or office. Our expenses are mainly event-driven and all net proceeds are donated to the schools through the grant process.
How can I get involved with CSF?
CSF hosts several fundraising events and campaigns each year and accepts donations at any time. Click “Donate” on our menu to find out how you can make a donation or “Contact” to get involved. We always welcome a dialogue with parents and the overall community regarding our initiatives.
Can CSF participate in my company's matching gift program, accept gifts of securities, or from donor-advised funds and family trusts?
Yes, please indicate that your company will match your gift and/or that you wish to make your gift using securities, a fund or trust on your Donate form. If making your donation online, please contact treasury@chappaquaschoolfoundation.org.
Is CSF associated with other local organizations or foundations?
CSF is not associated with any other organization or foundation. We do, however, work collaboratively with the District and the PTA, supporting one another’s initiatives when appropriate.