Students, teachers, staff, and parents. Alumni, friends, and community partners. Together, we are Rockford.
Our Mission:
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.
Our Purpose:
We enrich education so every student can meet their full potential. We do this by raising money and awarding educational grants.
What Makes Us Unique:
- We serve the Whole Child - Our programs and funding are designed to support every aspect of a child's well-being, from academics to emotional and social growth.
- We Impact All Kids - Every child within the Rockford Public Schools boundaries benefits from our programs and initiatives.
- We Support Educators - We empower educators by providing the resources they need and turning their ideas into reality.
Our Core Values:
- Do the Right Thing - Treat people with fairness, honesty, and respect, and make decisions rooted in integrity and transparency
- Care for Our Community - Prioritize the needs of our community, lead with a helping hand, and create a meaningful impact
- Build Relationships, Create Connections - Passionately share our story, fostering genuine connections and strengthening community bonds
- Be Invested - Champion our mission with unwavering commitment, dedicating time, energy and resources to make a lasting difference
- Think Big - Tackle challenges with a growth mindset, embracing innovation and inclusivity while envisioning bold possibilities
- Take Action and Deliver Results - Turn ideas into impact by executing with focus and follow through
Our History:
The Rockford Education Foundation supports education in our community as we have since 1991 when a visionary group of leaders created REF to fill school funding shortfalls by supporting teachers, classrooms, and students.
Over the years we have walked alongside our educational leaders and teachers as they identify projects that are high priority and high need. REF has funded thousands of grants in the areas of Literacy, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), College & Career Readiness, the Fine Arts, Outdoor Education, Special Education, and Social & Emotional Wellness.
In its first twenty years, REF awarded $1 million in grants to support hundreds of projects that enhance learning. We set the goal to double our giving by REF’s 30th Anniversary. We are proud to have given $2 million to educational programs and projects in the Rockford community.
