Strategic Giving (UCEF)
The School District of University City is preparing our students for the next century by implementing a modern learning approach (Learning Reimagined) and hiring and supporting highly-qualified staff. Opportunity abounds for our community, alumni and other stakeholders to join us in our mission to help all students reach their full potential. In addition to our partnership with UCEF, the District engaged a development professional to assist with our planning.
For more information about UCEF, visit universitycityeducationfoundation.org or follow them on Facebook UCityEd.
What is the University City Education Foundation?
The University City Public Schools Education Foundation, Inc., was established in 1996 to enhance the educational program in the School District of University City, Missouri. By involving the community and attracting private funds to supplement state, federal, and local revenues, the Foundation provides support for the development of enrichment programs and services which can help make the difference between a very good education and an excellent one. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the state of Missouri as a method of providing a long-term, self-sustaining program to enhance the University City public schools beyond the limits of normal tax support. It is governed by a self-perpetuating Board comprised of private citizens who are not involved in the day-to-day operations of the District. For a list of grant recipients and projects funded through UCEF, click here.
Memo of Understanding
In 2015, the Board of Education began conversations about creating a strategic development plan for our district. Central to those discussions was the opportunity to more fully define our relationship with the University City Education Foundation. In 2017, the District and the UCEF Foundation signed a historic agreement to expand the relationship as the District begins a more strategic effort around fund development. This is a formal agreement that allows for a Development Director in the district and a leap forward in the maturity of the relationship between UCEF and the school district. Donors to the district can now enjoy the benefits of a tax deduction as well with their gifts to UCEF to be used for the school district.
What are the goals of the Foundation?
Although the District and the Foundation function as separate entities, they are working toward the same end - striving for excellence in education for all children. The University City Board of Education incorporated the Foundation and strongly supports its efforts.
Our Mission: The University City Education Foundation is an agent for excellence in the University City public schools, stimulating innovative, exciting approaches to education, with measurable results, that can be broadly applied. The Foundation will accomplish this by raising and distributing private funds, engaging the community in school issues, and collaborating closely at each step with our public schools.
For more information about UCEF, contact Debbie Chase at dchase@ucityschools.org.
Congratulations to the 2023-24 University City Education Foundation grant recipients who were awarded nearly $10k for new classroom and school projects. Learn more at www.ucityschools.org/UCEFGrants2023.