When there are special programs or educational tools that teachers feel would benefit students, but are outside of normal district funding, they may try the North Allegheny Foundation.
The nonprofit is a 23-member tax-exempt charitable community organization that supports the school district, teachers, staff and students.
“The North Allegheny Foundation is committed to enhancing the educational experience for our students and supporting our teachers and schools,” foundation chair Joe Beierle said during an annual review of the organization at the Sept. 25 North Allegheny School Board meeting.
The foundation focuses on three missions, he said: grants, scholarships and making connections in the community.
Overall, the foundation provided nearly $102,000 to schools and students in 2023-24, a 33% increase over the approximately $77,400 it provided the previous academic year.
The 2023-24 amount included $66,841 in grants to schools and teachers, $2,500 in Education Improvement Tax Credit for STEM education initiatives, $31,450 scholarships to NA seniors and $2,020 for students in need.
Providing grants to teachers and staff members is done in the fall and spring of each year.
Some of the grants in 2023-2024 included a Jungle Gym Ninja Course at Ingomar Elementary for $4,498, and $8,700 for a dye sublimation printer for the Tiger Den, a program at the senior high that provides vocational skills to students in the special education department.
A sensory path helping students have quicker access to an area to improve their well-being at McKnight Elementary was awarded $3,300.
An amount of $3,311 funded the Tiger Arch, an inflatable sign used at events and replacing an older, worn-out version.
Other awards included Robotics Revolution at the intermediate high school, $17,593; a hummingbird robotics project at all elementary schools, $7,490; and a student ambassador program at Ingomar Middle School, $845.
The foundation also raises money, Beierle said, for the scholarships it presents in five categories: extra effort, excellence in service, excellence in leadership, excellence in arts and excellence in academics. And the foundation helps with the distribution of additional scholarships from private donors.
Several fundraising events are held throughout the year, including the recent golf outing in September, in total raising an estimated a gross of $100,000 and a net of $65,000 to $70,000.
Other fundraisers include the upcoming Trick-or-Trot on Oct. 26, the Distinguished Alumni Gala on Jan. 23 and Taste of NA in 2025, date to be determined.
“If people are planning to make a charitable donation, they have many opportunities. The overhead for the North Allegheny Foundation is extremely low,” said Dr. Vidya Szymkowiak, trustee representative for the school board. “It is a fantastic use of your money.”
For those wanting to help, the Trick-or-Trot race is being held at the Marshall schools campus, with the 5K beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a 1-mile run at 9. The event includes a marching band performance, arts and crafts and candy.
To register, visit northallegheny.org/trickortrot.
Natalie Beneviat is a Trib Total Media contributing writer.