Chatham Education Foundation (CEF) serves as a philanthropic partner to the School District of the Chathams (SDOC), funding grants that drive innovation, enrich educational experiences and support future-focused learning. For 32 years, CEF has helped the district build upon its longstanding tradition of academic excellence by providing resources and opportunities that might not otherwise be possible.
Since its founding, CEF has awarded more than $2 million in grants across the district’s six public schools. These investments have supported creative programs, innovative technology, professional development and transformative learning environments for students in grades K–12, all made possible by the generosity of our donors and the vision of SDOC’s teachers and administrators.
During the 2025–2026 school year, CEF awarded $111,209 in grants. Among them was a $73,928 districtwide Foundational Literacy K–2 grant that will provide decodable readers for every kindergarten through second-grade classroom. It is the third-largest grant in CEF’s history and reflects our commitment to funding initiatives with meaningful, districtwide impact.
CEF is working to grow its endowment toward a $4 million goal, creating a stable and enduring source of support for Chatham students now and for generations to come.
CEF also brings the community together through programs and events including Trivia Night, Comedy Night, Teacher Tributes and TEDxYouth@Chatham. These initiatives raise awareness, celebrate educators and students and generate vital support for our mission.
We invite you to join us in investing in the future of education in Chatham. Your tax-deductible contribution helps CEF sustain and expand its support for SDOC, empower educators to bring innovative ideas to life and create exceptional learning opportunities for every student.
"I am grateful to Chatham Education Foundation for its commitment to the long-term financial stability of the district, especially during
this time of uncertainty, and for providing an important avenue for bolstering the educational experience of our students in a sustainable way."
Dr. Michael LaSusa, Superintendent
