FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
(EON: Enhanced Online News)– Gain:
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Receives Grant to Enhance Three Key Educational Programs
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (Consortium) recently awarded The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools in matching funds through the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. The funding provided to the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools will directly support three critical programs aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the district: the Collegium for the Advancement of Education, College & Career Initiatives, and Classroom, School & District Grants. These initiatives will empower educators and students alike. The Collegium for the Advancement of Education will foster collaboration among teachers to develop innovative teaching methods, while the College & Career Initiatives will guide high school students toward college readiness and vocational career paths. Additionally, the Classroom, School & District Grants will provide resources for unique classroom projects and school improvements, benefiting educators and students district wide. The Foundation is partnering with local organizations and community leaders to further enhance the reach of these programs.
“This matching grant from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations fuels the momentum of our work,” said Noelle Branning, Board Chair of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “It empowers educators to bring bold ideas to life, strengthens innovative programs districtwide, and opens new doors of opportunity for students across Lee County.”
The Consortium has received legislative matching funds which provide a dollar-for-dollar incentive for local
education foundations to raise private contributions for eligible projects for more than 20 years. Since the inception of the program, more than $173 million in combined private and state dollars has been provided for local projects that serve students, literacy initiatives, encourage STEM and career/technical education, increase classroom innovation, support teachers, and/or increase graduation rates.
About The Consortium
The Consortium is the membership organization for Florida’s school district-wide local education
foundations. Established in 1987, the Consortium connects individuals, organizations, and financial resources to build the capacity and effectiveness of local education foundations throughout the state in achieving student success.
In the last year, the School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program:
- Saw an investment total of $17,574,275
- $7 million in State allocation was matched with over $10 million in private-sector investment
- 60 school districts participated, and 109 projects were funded
- Participating education foundations serve 99% of Florida’s K-12 public school students.
To learn more about the Consortium and the statewide impact of the program, visit
www.educationfoundationsfl.org.
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
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Media Contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President and CEO
Tel. (239) 337-0433
Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org