What We Do
The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) provides funding for educational opportunities, both basic and innovative, in the Rockford community. We do this by supporting educational programs and services within the geographic boundaries of the Rockford Public Schools. With your help we can make a difference.
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Every year REF funds dozens of programs that support educational excellence in 5 focus areas: STEAM education, the fine arts, social-emotional health, college/career readiness, and literacy.
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We are so grateful to the many sponsors who step forward to support our students each year.
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“The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.”
– Marian Wright Edelman
Our Impact This Year
The Rockford Education Foundation celebrated our 30th birthday in 2021. We met our goal of awarding $2 Million in grant funding back to the Rockford community. We are committed to serving ALL learners in the Rockford community.
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Students Served
8,000+
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Volunteer Hours
884
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$ Raised in 22-23
$351,106
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# Grants in 22-23
82
News & Events
The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) is celebrating a record-breaking night at The Taste 2025! Nearly 400 guests filled The Gilmore on March 6, enjoying incredible food, lively music, and an auction that had paddles flying. By the end of the night, over $226,000 had been raised to support education in Rockford!
The Rockford Education Foundation (REF) celebrates a monumental success with the 7th annual 'The Taste' fundraiser held at The Gilmore event venue on Thursday, March 7. The event had an extraordinary turnout with over 325 attendees, marking it as the largest gathering in the event's history. The Taste’s success was made possible by the support of many local sponsors, among them GMB Architecture + Engineering, the presenting sponsor. The generosity of all sponsors played a vital role in the event's success.
