Lafayette Partners in Education

What Lafayette Partners in Education does

Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education foundation established in 1980 in Lafayette, California, originally as the Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation in response to California's Proposition 13 funding cuts. The organization functions as a community-driven fundraising intermediary that collects donations from families, individuals, local businesses, and major donors, then directs those funds to the Lafayette School District and Acalanes Union High School District to supplement state education funding. For 2026-2027, LPIE has guaranteed $4,447,481 to the districts, and has cumulatively directed over $60 million to Lafayette public schools since inception.

LPIE's core offering is a centralized annual fundraising platform that channels contributions into more than 20 distinct educational initiatives, including 28 Stanley Middle School electives, 22 Acalanes High School electives, credentialed science teachers, reading specialists, instructional aides, full-time counselors at all six schools, music and arts programs, robotics and fabrication labs, and a college and career center. The organization allocates 88% of funds directly to teachers and instructors. Revenue is generated through five streams: individual/family donations (targeting 100% family participation across 4,442 students), a tiered Business Partner Program (Diamond $30K through Bronze $2.5K with 40+ sponsors), a long-term Endowment campaign targeting $12 million, fundraising events (galas, poker tournaments, read-a-thons, crawls), and grants.

The business model is community-led, relying on grassroots mobilization rather than commercial sales. Operations are lean — a 3-person office staff (Executive Director, Fundraising Administrator, Programs & Operations Coordinator) supported by a 40+ member volunteer board contributing over 6,000 hours annually. The go-to-market motion uses events, email, public board meetings, and word-of-mouth referral networks within the school community. LPIE has achieved Charity Navigator's 95% rating and Candid GuideStar's Platinum transparency seal, and is managed by an 11-member Investment Committee with Sanford C. Bernstein as the endowment's professional investment manager.

Name

Lafayette Partners in Education

Legal name

Lafayette Partners in Education

Website

https://lpie.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Lafayette Partners in Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation established in 1980 that raises and directs community donations to supplement state funding for the Lafayette School District and Acalanes Union High School District in California, supporting over 20 educational programs across six schools serving 4,442 students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Foundation / Nonprofit School Fundraising

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

Keywords

• Public school fundraising
• Education foundation grants
• Community education funding
• Nonprofit school support
• School program funding

Headquarters

HQ city

Lafayette

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual/Family Donations: Direct donations from student families, community members, and individual supporters. The organization seeks 100% family participation from Lafayette school district families.
2. Business Partner Program: Corporate sponsorships at tiered levels (Diamond $30,000, Platinum $20,000, Gold $10,000, Silver $6,000, Bronze $2,500) providing recognition and community access to business partners.
3. Endowment Fund: Long-term sustainable funding source with initial goal of $12 million to provide stable funding independent of annual fundraising cycles.
4. Fundraising Events: Revenue from events including galas, poker tournaments, bowling tournaments, community crawls, and read-a-thons.
5. Grants: Grants from civic sponsors and government funding sources to supplement school budgets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education foundation that raises funds from families, businesses, and community members and directs them to the Lafayette School District and Acalanes Union High School District to support instructional staff, electives, arts, sciences, technology, counseling, and supplies across 6 public schools serving 4,442 students. The organization also operates a tiered Business Partner corporate sponsorship program, multiple annual fundraising events (Poker Tournament, Spring Gala, Community Crawl, Read-A-Thon, Back to LPIE, New Families Mixer), and a long-term $12 million LPIE Endowment campaign. Fund allocation is 88% to teachers and instructors, 12% to supplies, and less than 1% to programming and experiences.

Product overview

Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) is a community-driven nonprofit fundraising organization that supplements state funding for Lafayette public schools. The organization operates a centralized annual fundraising platform that channels donations to the Lafayette School District and Acalanes High School. In 2026-2027, LPIE has guaranteed $4,447,481 in funding. The core offering is the Annual Fundraising Programs that support over 20 distinct educational initiatives including instructional aides, credentialed teachers, reading specialists, counselors, electives (robotics, world languages, arts), music programs, technology access, and college/career services. LPIE also runs multiple annual fundraising events including the Poker Tournament, Spring Gala, Community Crawl, Read-A-Thon, and community mixers. The LPIE Endowment represents a separate long-term sustainability initiative targeting $12 million for generational school funding stability. The Business Partner Program offers corporate sponsorship tiers for community businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Annual Fundraising Programs (Annual Giving Campaign) Core annual fundraising campaign that channels donations from families, community members, and businesses to the Lafayette School District and Acalanes High School, supporting 20+ educational programs including instructional aides, credentialed science teachers, reading specialists, counselors, electives, music, robotics, and technology access.
• LPIE Endowment A long-term sustainable funding initiative with a $12 million goal to create a permanent endowment that provides stable funding independent of annual fundraising cycles.
• Business Partner Program Corporate sponsorship program with tiered recognition levels (Diamond $30,000, Platinum $20,000, Gold $10,000, Silver $6,000, Bronze $2,500) providing businesses visibility to families of 4,442 students across 6 schools.
• Annual Spring Gala Annual formal fundraising gala featuring entertainment, auctions, and music to raise funds for school programs.
• Annual Poker Tournament Annual Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament fundraiser featuring professional dealers, dinner, and hosted bar at private residences or venues to support Lafayette schools.
• Community Crawl Family-friendly community event featuring local restaurant and retail partner visits, activities, and scavenger hunts to support local schools.
• Read-A-Thon Annual reading challenge fundraiser promoting literacy while raising funds for student education across Lafayette public schools.
• Back to LPIE / New Families Mixer Community welcome events for new and returning families to connect with LPIE, school leaders, and the community at local venues such as Western Flyer Brewing and Metro Lafayette.
• LPIE Science Fair and Art Fair Annual science fair celebrating scientific inquiry at elementary school campuses and art exhibition showcasing student artwork across four elementary school campuses during open house nights.
• Project LPIE Competition Annual project competition allowing Acalanes High School and Stanley Middle School students to showcase their skills and creativity.
• Employer Matching Gift Program (Double the Donation) Embedded matching gift and volunteer grant service powered by Double the Donation that lets donors identify and submit employer matching gift requests to increase the value of their donation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $60M directed to Lafayette public schools since 1980
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered diamond, platinum, gold, silver, bronze, core and minor.

• Martin HomesdiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond-level business partner ($30,000) providing community sponsorship and supporting LPIE's educational enrichment programs. Reaches families of 4,442 students.
• Ashby LumberdiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond-level business partner ($30,000) providing community sponsorship and supporting LPIE's educational enrichment programs.
• Dana Reedy HomesdiamondGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond-level business partner ($30,000) providing community sponsorship and supporting LPIE's educational enrichment programs.
• AR ConstructiveplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum-level business partner ($20,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Cobain OrthodonticsplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum-level business partner ($20,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Dana Green TeamplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum-level business partner ($20,000) providing community sponsorship.
• ParksmartplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum-level business partner ($20,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Optics LabgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Peacock ConstructiongoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Village AssociatesgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Carone and CompanygoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Batch and BrinegoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Douglah DesignsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Diablo FoodsgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• DudumgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Lewis Asset ManagementgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Orchard NurserygoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• MinuteMangoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Nicoleta Mayou HomesgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerGold-level business partner ($10,000) providing community sponsorship.
• GoGo GallaghersilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• KonstructosilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Dermatology Center of the East BaysilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Aevus GroupsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Benham BakersilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Senor SisigsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• DeutschersilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Kelly Crawford HomessilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• UP CivilsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Mechanics BanksilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Sports BasementsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver-level business partner ($6,000) providing community sponsorship.
• Canyon ClubbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Lamorinda PaintingbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• PD&H Kids DentistbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Luxury Homes of LamorindabronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• AJ TutoringbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Little Cloud SmilesbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Harriet Plummer AquaticsbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Axelrode OrthodonticsbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Aloha Kids DDSbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Fein WinesbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Blodgett's Floor CoveringbronzeGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze-level business partner ($2,500) providing community sponsorship.
• Lafayette School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary beneficiary of LPIE funding. LPIE works with district leadership to determine annual program priorities and allocate donated funds to schools.
• Acalanes High School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary beneficiary of LPIE funding. LPIE works with district leadership to determine annual program priorities and allocate donated funds to schools.
• Bernstein (Sanford C. Bernstein & Co., LLC)minorOthersProfessional investment manager for the LPIE Endowment fund. Account Number: 033-98259, DTC Number: 0013.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Los Altos Educational Foundation: Direct peer serving Los Altos School District with community-driven fundraising to fund educational programs and staff. Same model targeting affluent Bay Area single-district community.
• San Ramon Valley Education Foundation: Direct peer serving San Ramon Valley Unified School District, raising private donations to fund programs and staff positions. Same nonprofit foundation model targeting affluent East Bay district.
• Las Lomitas Education Foundation: Direct peer serving Las Lomitas Elementary School District in the affluent Bay Area with parent-driven fundraising to supplement public education funding. Same model and similar district demographics.
• Hillsborough Schools Foundation: Direct peer serving Hillsborough City School District, raising private funds to supplement public education in an affluent Bay Area community. Same nonprofit foundation model with corporate sponsorship programs.
• Orinda Education Foundation: Direct peer operating in adjacent Lamorinda community, raising private donations to supplement state funding for Orinda public schools. Operates with same community-driven model serving a single K-8 district of comparable demographics.
• Piedmont Education Foundation: Direct peer serving Piedmont Unified School District in the Bay Area with community-driven fundraising to supplement public school funding. Operates with the same model targeting an affluent single-district community.
• Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation: Direct peer serving Menlo Park and Atherton public schools in the Bay Area with community fundraising for supplemental K-8 programs. Same model targeting affluent single-district community.
• Moraga Education Foundation: Direct peer in the same Lamorinda community, raising private donations to fund programs for Moraga public schools. Operates with same nonprofit education foundation model serving a similar affluent single-district population.
• San Carlos Education Foundation: Direct peer serving San Carlos public schools with community fundraising supplementing state K-8 education funding. Same nonprofit foundation model targeting single affluent Bay Area district.

Regional players

• Carmel Education Foundation: Peer operating the same community fundraising model for Carmel Unified School District in California. Comparable single-district nonprofit foundation model though serving a different geographic region.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/LPIEk12
• Facebookfacebook.com/LafayettePartners
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lpie

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lafayette Partners in Education