Learning Communities Foundation Update

We wanted to update you on some important developments and a new direction for our work at the Learning Communities Foundation.

The Learning Communities Foundation, formed to provide philanthropic support to the programs and students of the Puget Sound Educational Service District SESD, re-launched itself in 2018 with a bold and targeted goal to raise meaningful support for one PSESD program in particular, the PSESD’s flagship preschool program, Educare. The relaunch was galvanized by a grant from the Gates Foundation, the longtime major funder for Educare. Recognizing that its ability to continue to support Educare at such a high level was not sustainable, the Gates Foundation grant was designed to support the growth and success of the LCF as a fundraiser for Educare and the children and families it serves.

As we approach the end of the third year of the grant, the LCF board assessed its progress and reflected on the current fundraising environment. As a committed board, we take our obligations seriously and after thoughtful consideration, determined that we need a new strategy to meet our targets. After much thought, the LCF board has decided to take on more of the Foundation’s work as volunteers, stepping away from employing an Executive Director and redeploying the grant revenue to fund new fundraising strategies. We are willing to undertake this new direction because we are deeply committed to the success of Educare and want to be sure we are creatively and responsively working to find the best way to meet our grant commitments and foundation’s goals.

But the decision is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to Wendy Armour, our Executive Director for the past two years. We appreciate the work Wendy has accomplished during her tenure—including organizing our first ever breakfast, helping create the structure for our work, professionalizing the foundation, and sharing her passionate support for the families and children served by the PSESD. We wish her every success as she leaves us to take the next step in her career.

We will be working to define clear strategies and actions in the coming weeks and hope that you will continue to partner with us as we work to create sustainability for Educare and support for the children served by the PSESD across our community. Thank you for your partnership and support.

Learning Communities Board of Directors