The Foundation was created to offset declining state aid, which over the years forced the elimination of many fine enrichment programs. Each year we have given between $40,000 and $120,000 for programs that benefit our community’s children. Virtually all of our donations go directly to the schools: we are an all-volunteer organization with minimal expenses. Our donations come primarily from parents, alumni, the community at large and matching grants from corporate employers in response to an annual fundraising letter.

In the past we held two fundraising concerts each year: Stars Over Hasting in the spring and Kidsong in the fall. Ten years ago we began holding only one fundraiser, a gala party and auction. Our first benefit netted over $30,000 for the Foundation; our second brought in double that amount. In more recent history, our fundraiser at Alder Manor was attended by over 350 people and raised over $80,000. Please contact us if you would like to join the organizing committee for our next event.

Over the years we have funded a wide variety of grants including these highlights:

• Capital projects: creation of a publishing center, the Hillside Science Lab, renovation of the FMS playground, upgrades to the sound and lighting system in the HHS auditorium and the renovation of the Hillside Library Media Center
• Curricular projects: Writers-in-Residence, storytellers, bridge builders, ribbon dancers, museum memberships, K-12 curriculum consultants for science, health and physical education
• Staff development projects: support for Math Trailblazers at Hillside, Schools Attuned, Language Development and Learning, World of Difference, Reggio Emilia
• Cultural and arts projects: kilns and pottery wheels in FMS and HHS, cameras and enlargers for photography, steel drums to establish a new course and elective, and comedy, poetry, dance as well as Shakespeare workshops.
• Technology projects: SmartBoards for all three schools, computers, calculators, probes, software and DNA analyzers for HS science labs, the guitar lab, a podcasting center, Naviance software for Guidance
• Fitness projects: traversing and climbing wall curriculum/equipment and wellness program for FMS, the Hillside obstacle course, the HS Fitness Center and Weight Room, CPR training.

Our complete list of awarded grants can be found on our Grants Awarded page. 

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