DEARBORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

What DEARBORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION does

The Dearborn Public Schools Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1992 and headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, operating under Executive Director Elise Larkin with a 5-person staff. Its sole mission is to raise private funds that supplement the operating budget of Dearborn Public Schools, addressing funding gaps for educational materials, programs, and student opportunities that fall outside the district's general budget. The foundation's core offerings include classroom grants (awarded to district teachers and administrators on a September-through-May cycle), a portfolio of more than 17 named scholarship funds supporting graduating seniors, community crowdfunding campaigns for specific projects, memorial funds honoring community members, and a legacy/planned giving program.

Revenue is generated entirely through charitable contributions: one-time and recurring monthly donations processed via the Zeffy platform, ticket sales and sponsorships from four annual fundraising events (Mardi Gras Celebration, Green Tie Dinner, FORE Golf Outing, and Big Shot 50/50 Raffle), corporate sponsorships, and named endowments. Since 1992, the foundation has returned more than $3,000,000 to Dearborn Public Schools, with $157,000+ contributed in the most recent school year. Its distribution is restricted to the Dearborn Public Schools district, which it serves as the district's sole affiliated education foundation under a partnership that places the superintendent and a board trustee as ex officio board members.

The foundation operates a partner ecosystem of 100+ local businesses, community organizations, and major corporate donors including Ford Motor Company, DTE Energy, Beaumont Health, Comerica Bank, Toyota, and Cleveland-Cliffs, alongside institutional partners such as the City of Dearborn, Henry Ford College, and the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce. There is no proprietary technology product; operations are supported by a standard website CMS, the Zeffy donation/ticketing platform, and a publicly accessible Google Sheets-based grant records portal documenting 2015–2026 awards.

Name

DEARBORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Legal name

Dearborn Public Schools Education Foundation

Website

https://dearbornedfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Dearborn Public Schools Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit founded in 1992 in Dearborn, Michigan, that raises private donations to fund classroom grants, scholarships, and educational programs for students, teachers, and administrators of Dearborn Public Schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Foundation Services

NAICS

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

akta.pro primary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

Keywords

• Education foundation fundraising
• Classroom grant programs
• Student scholarship programs
• Community fundraising events
• Nonprofit endowment programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Dearborn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: The foundation raises funds through one-time donations, recurring monthly donations, and planned/legacy giving from individuals, businesses, and foundations. Monthly giving programs provide reliable, year-round support for planning purposes.
2. Event-Based Fundraising: Annual fundraising events including Mardi Gras Celebration, FORE Golf Outing, Green Tie Dinner, Big Shot 50/50 Raffle, and Spring Bazaar generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, silent auctions, and raffle entries.
3. Grant Programs: Provides classroom grants to teachers and administrators for educational resources, materials, and programs not funded through the general school budget. Also accepts funding requests for specific projects.
4. Scholarship Funds: Manages endowed scholarship funds and memorial funds established by donors. Provides scholarships to graduating seniors based on various criteria including financial need, academic achievement, community service, and specific fields of study.
5. Naming Rights and Legacy Giving: Partners with individuals and groups to establish naming rights, planned giving arrangements, and endowed funds tailored to donor specifications.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The foundation raises private donations from individuals, businesses, and other foundations and redistributes them as classroom grants to Dearborn Public Schools teachers and administrators, scholarships to graduating seniors, and program funding for innovative educational opportunities. It also operates crowdfunding campaigns, memorial funds, a Dean's List sponsorship program, a legacy giving program, and annual fundraising events such as the Mardi Gras Celebration, Green Tie Dinner, FORE Golf Outing, and Big Shot 50/50 Raffle.

Product overview

The Dearborn Education Foundation is a single, unified charitable organization offering multiple interconnected programs: classroom grants funding educational materials and projects, scholarship programs with named funds for various schools and purposes, crowdfunding campaigns for specific initiatives, annual fundraising events (Mardi Gras Celebration, Green Tie Event, FORE Golf Outing, Big Shot 50/50), memorial funds honoring deceased community members, a grant records portal, Dean's List sponsorship, and legacy giving options. The foundation has raised and returned over $3,000,000 to Dearborn Public Schools since its founding in 1992.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Classroom Grants Funding awards for Dearborn Public Schools teachers and administrators to purchase classroom materials and run educational projects not covered by the school budget, including books, musical instruments, microscopes, computers, athletic equipment, art supplies, and student competitions. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed September through May.
• Student Scholarship Programs Multiple named and endowed scholarship funds awarded to graduating seniors of Dearborn Public Schools high schools (Dearborn High, Edsel Ford High, Fordson High) based on financial need, academic achievement, community service, and specific fields of study. Funds include the Fawaz, Hashoian, Stout, Dearborn Democratic Club, Adams, Aguirre, Bryant, Cipriano, Gostenik, HYPE Athletics, Stellar, Fakhoury, Domke, Feeney, Fracassa, Metzler, Whiston, and Comerica Bank scholarships.
• Annual Fundraising Events Four recurring community fundraising events hosted each year: Mardi Gras Celebration (New Orleans-themed with halal cuisine, music, and raffles), Green Tie Dinner (formal partner recognition and scholarship awards), FORE Golf Outing (golf tournament with breakfast, lunch, and on-course games), and Big Shot 50/50 Raffle (500-ticket raffle with up to $25,000 prize). Revenue is generated through ticket sales, event sponsorships, silent auctions, and raffle entries.
• Memorial Funds Named memorial funds honoring deceased community members, including the Rosemary Fawaz Memorial Fund, Ralph G. Hashoian Humanitarian Arts Memorial Fund, Arnaldo Fracassa Fund, Faith Berg Vocal Music Memorial Fund, and Ashley Solomon Music Fund. These funds provide sustained donor engagement and ongoing contributions toward scholarships or programs in the honoree's name.
• Crowdfunding Campaigns Online community crowdfunding campaigns supporting specific educational initiatives such as Battle Against Hunger, the Dearborn High School Theater Program, Adult Education/Citizenship Class, and Salina Elementary/Intermediate Green Schoolyards.
• Legacy Giving Program Planned giving and legacy donation options for donors wishing to establish naming rights, endowed funds, and tailored scholarship funds in their own name or in honor of a loved one.
• Dean's List Sponsorship Program Yearly contribution program that provides sponsorships to support Dearborn Public Schools students with enhanced educational opportunities. Sponsors register through the Dean's List Registration Form on the foundation website.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $3,000,000 returned to Dearborn Public Schools since 1992
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• ACCESSminorOthersCommunity partner listed on the Complete Partners List page of the foundation. ACCESS is located at 2651 Saulino Ct, Dearborn, MI 48120.
• AFT-HFCCminorOthersPartner listed on the Complete Partners List. AFT-HFCC (American Federation of Teachers - Henry Ford College) is located at 5101 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128.
• Airborne Adventure ParkminorOthersPartner listed on the Complete Partners List. Located at 23261 Eureka Rd, Taylor, MI 48180.
• American Office SolutionsminorOthersPartner listed on the Complete Partners List. Located at 44191 Plymouth Oaks Blvd suite 300, Plymouth, MI 48170.
• Arab American National MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor community cultural institution partner. Located at 13624 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126. Supports cultural education and community engagement.
• Automotive Hall of FamecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner. Located at 21400 Oakwood St, Dearborn, MI 48124. Supports automotive heritage education.
• Beaumont HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner. Located at 18101 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124. Supports health-related education and community wellness programs.
• Belle TireminorOthersLocal business partner. Major employer in the area supporting community initiatives.
• City of DearbornflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey municipal partner. Located at 16901 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126. Maria Willett, Director of Philanthropy and Grants, City of Dearborn, serves as Ex Officio board member.
• Comerica BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial partner offering Comerica Bank Scholarship through the foundation - 10 scholarships of $1,000 each totaling $10,000. Located at 16150 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126.
• Clark Hill, PLCminorOthersLegal services partner. Located at 500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 3500, Detroit, MI 48226. Maria Fracassa Dwyer, Member at Clark Hill, serves as Emeritus board member.
• Cleveland-CliffsminorOthersIndustrial partner. Located at 4001 Miller Rd, Dearborn, MI 48120.
• Dearborn Area Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey business organization partner. Located at 22100 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48124. Supports business engagement and community connections.
• Dearborn Public SchoolsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary partner - the school district served by the foundation. Located at 18700 Audette St, Dearborn, MI 48124-4222. Glenn Maleyko, Superintendent, serves as Ex Officio board member. Patrick D'Ambrosio, Trustee, Board of Education, serves as Ex Officio board member.
• DTE EnergyminorOthersUtility company partner. Located at 3751 Greenfield Rd, Melvindale, MI 48122.
• Ford Motor CompanyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlagship corporate partner. Located at Ford Motor Company World Headquarters, 1 American Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126. Major employer and community supporter in Dearborn.
• Henry Ford CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigher education partner. Located at Henry Ford College campus in Dearborn. Supports educational pathway connections.
• Henry Ford Museum of American InnovationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural institution partner. Located at 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124. Supports educational and cultural programs.
• HYPE AthleticscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAthletics organization partner. Located at 23302 W Warren Ave, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. Established in 2001 to strengthen community infrastructure. Offers HYPE Athletics Distinguished Athlete Scholarship valued at $1,000. Ali Sayed, President of HYPE Athletics, serves as Emeritus board member.
• Plante MoranminorOthersAccounting/consulting firm partner. Located at 1098 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226.
• Severstal Dearborn LLCminorOthersIndustrial partner. Steel manufacturing company in Dearborn.
• ToyotaminorOthersAutomotive partner. Located at 8777 S Platt Rd, Saline, MI 48176.
• Visual Ronin Media ProductionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia production partner. Located at 3350 Gertrude St, Dearborn, MI 48124. Michael Keuntz, Owner at Visual Ronin Media, serves on the board.
• Educare Student ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation services partner. Located at 4929 Schaefer Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126. Hussein M. Hachem, Managing Director at Educare Student Services, serves on the board.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pittsburgh Public Schools Foundation: 501c3 raising funds to support Pittsburgh Public Schools through classroom innovation grants and scholarships. Mirrors the Dearborn foundation's mission and operating structure.
• Chicago Public Education Fund: Independent nonprofit raising private funds to support Chicago Public Schools through grants, programs, and scholarships. Operates the same district-foundation model at larger scale.
• Detroit Public Schools Foundation: District-specific education foundation serving Detroit Public Schools Community District with classroom grants, scholarships, and donor-advised funds. Closest functional peer geographically and structurally.
• Dallas Education Foundation: Independent nonprofit supporting Dallas ISD with grants, scholarships, and signature fundraising events. Closely aligned district-foundation operating model.
• Boston Public Schools Foundation: Raises private dollars for Boston Public Schools through classroom grants, scholarships, and signature events. Comparable mission, structure, and district-foundation model.
• Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation: Michigan-based 501c3 supporting Grand Rapids Public Schools with classroom grants, scholarships, and donor programs. Same state, same district-foundation model.
• Kalamazoo Public Schools Foundation: Michigan-based district education foundation raising funds for Kalamazoo Public Schools through grants, scholarships, and events. Strong geographic and functional overlap.

Broad incumbents

• Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation: Michigan-based community foundation managing endowments, scholarships, and donor-advised funds across multiple causes in the Ann Arbor region. Wider scope but similar operating model.
• Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan: Large regional community foundation serving southeast Michigan, including Dearborn, with broader grantmaking across multiple causes. Operates at significantly larger scale and broader scope.

Others

• National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation: National nonprofit foundation supporting public elementary and middle school leaders and programs. Adjacent peer reflecting the broader public-school funding ecosystem rather than direct competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dearborn-public-schools-education-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about DEARBORN PUBLIC SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION