The Wonderful Foundations Story
Wonderful Foundations seeks to change the way kids experience school. Even the most talented teachers cannot effectively educate kids if the learning environment is not sound, safe and supportive. We set out to purchase buildings that house charter schools, and then help them get what they need to become nourishing spaces for education. We offer schools funding to improve their buildings, buy equipment for learning and exploration, and to create spaces where every kid feels encouraged to receive and exchange ideas.
Our approach
We identified a problem with the way schools are funded. When governments pay for public school, they rarely pay 100% of what is needed to maintain the buildings and create opportunities for engaging, well-rounded learning. This forces schools to put energy and resources into fundraising endlessly, year after year. We saw a new, more efficient way for schools to gain the funding they need by creating a partnership between investors, the government and the generosity of the public.
WF borrows money to purchase charter school buildings – and then closely works with each school as more of a partner vs as a typical landlord. WF sets aside a portion of the rent received to better the schools in the form of i) annual grants to support the education needs of students and ii) capital improvements. This money, combined with public donations from people like you, is used for essential upgrades that can transform the experiences of the kids who learn there.
Plus, to further give schools a stake in their physical spaces, WF fully intends to transfer the title of the buildings to the charter schools when the acquisition financing is paid off (approximately 35 years from the start of the partnerships). This is so important to WF that we included it as a fundamental tenant of our tax exempt mission to the IRS.
While historically our focus has been on charter schools, the principles and strategies we’ve developed are equally applicable to public district schools. Public schools often face challenges such as outdated facilities, overcrowding, and limited resources, which can hinder the learning process. By extending the Wonderful Foundations model to public district schools, we can address these issues and create environments where students feel safe, engaged, and inspired.
Our approach involves collaborating with schools to assess their specific needs, securing funding for necessary improvements, and implementing projects that transform school facilities into modern, supportive learning spaces. This not only enhances the educational experience for students but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership within the community.
By expanding our model to include public district schools, we can make a significant impact on a larger scale, ensuring that all students, regardless of the type of school they attend, have access to the quality learning environments they deserve.
We invite public school administrators, educators, and community members to join us in this initiative to bring the Wonderful Foundations model to public district schools, creating a brighter future for all students.
Wonderful Foundations by the Numbers
1.3Bn
$ Raised
20
Charter Schools
10,104
Students
Since we raise all the money we need to purchase schools and fund the day-to-day operation of the foundation through our bond offerings, we’re able to use every single dollar we raise from the public to create better learning environments. Each tax-deductible charity donation will go directly towards improving the schools we partner with, impacting the lives of these students for the better.