Mid‐Prairie Foundation
MP Foundation History
School districts in rural Iowa were undergoing significant financial stress in the mid-1980's due to the Midwest farm crisis and shifts in population to urban areas. Traditional sources of school funding (property tax and state school funds) were shrinking. School closings and consolidation became a fact of life. The Mid-Prairie Foundation was formed in late 1987 by a group of concerned citizens as a Iowa non-profit corporation with the purpose of supporting the Mid-Prairie School District The Foundation qualifies with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, meaning all gifts to and through the Foundation are tax deductible.
PROJECTS OF THE FOUNDATION INCLUDE
Production of an award-winning brochure promoting MPCSD
Endowed scholarships awarded to graduating seniors
Support of teachers and students with innovative programs
Database of Mid-Prairie Alumni
Sponsorship of Up With People concerts
Helping the Athletic Boosters raise funds for a new track
Initiated a service award program for Mid-Prairie Schools staff
WHY DO WE NEED A SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION?
Your interest in, and willingness to contribute to the Mid-Prairie Community Schools can enrich the schools and our communities. Private contributions are needed to maintain and improve the level of educational excellence. Residents, alumni and other interested individuals of the Mid-Prairie Community School District can insure that our schools remain places that reflect "Excellence Together".
WHAT WILL MY GIFT PROVIDE?
Enhancement of academic programs
Funding for faculty development
Improved school facilities and projects
Special community educational programs
Scholarships
WHO WILL DECIDE HOW FOUNDATION FUNDS ARE SPENT?
All decisions to be made by and on behalf of the Mid-Prairie Community School District Foundation will be made by its Board of Trustees.Advice on spending decisions will be solicited from the Board of Education and the School District Administration as well as from the various support groups and the general public. Donors wishes will be honored whenever possible.
HOW WILL THE FOUNDATION AFFECT EXISTING SUPPORT GROUPS?
The Mid-Prairie Community School District Foundation is not a substitute for or an alternative to the various existing support groups. The Foundation is envisioned and designed as a working partner with all other support groups, such as Athletic Boosters, Music Boosters, or parent teacher organizations. The Foundation may provide a convenient avenue for channeling support group donations or the Foundation may provide direct financial assistance to any project established by the various support groups. The Foundation will not control, direct or supervise any existing support group.
WHAT METHODS DO I USE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDATION?
Cash, Securities, Real or Personal Property
Bequests, Estates
Life Insurance Agreements
Donations of Educational Supplies and Equipment
Memorials
Living Trusts
Life Income Contracts
Testamentary Trusts
Gifts from Class Reunions, Service Organizations and Business
Employer-sponsored Matching Funds
Grants or Award from Corporations, Foundations, and Government Agencies
OUR PLEDGE TO YOU
The Foundation will manage and insure that your contribution will be used as intended. You may designate a specific area for an endowment gift out or you may give for an undesignated purpose. Endowment gifts, which allow the principal to grow, while using only the interest, are encouraged.
For more information contact Mitch Billups, Mid-Prairie Foundation President.