Taylor School District foundation outlines fundraisers, grants for classroom programs

Representatives from the Taylor School District foundation updated the board on recent and planned fundraising and grant distributions during the March 4 meeting.

A foundation spokesperson said the group will host a gala on April 24 and holds a restaurant fundraising night at Famous Dave’s that returns about 20% of proceeds to the foundation. The foundation reported it expects roughly $25,000 in grant funds available to distribute to teachers and principals for the 2025–26 school year and noted that fall and winter grant cycles produced dozens of applications for smaller awards.

The presenters said fundraising supports student field trips — including kindergarten petting‑farm visits and fourth‑grade trips to the University of Michigan‑Dearborn Environmental Center — and pays for tickets to performances for band, choir and drama students. The foundation also highlighted a staff payroll‑deduction program that has contributed an anticipated $7,000 and said it will continue outreach to increase sponsorship and grant activity.

“Each year, we get a few more donators, and we’re anticipating a bunch of $7,000 from [payroll deductions],” a foundation representative said. The foundation asked the board to help publicize upcoming events and partner on outreach to local businesses.

What this means
The foundation’s grants and fundraising provide supplementary support for classroom activities, student field trips and extracurricular programs; staff and board members thanked the foundation for its outreach and fundraising efforts.