Our Mission & Our Story

The Englewood Education Foundation mobilizes community resources to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed and every educator has the tools to inspire.

A promising student shouldn't forgo college because of cost. A passionate teacher shouldn't abandon an innovative idea because of budget constraints. A classroom shouldn't go without critical resources because funding falls short. These are the realities we try to change every day.

Through scholarships, we've helped dozens of Englewood graduates pursue higher education, launching careers and breaking cycles.

Through educator grants, we've brought robotics, arts programs, mental health support, and hands-on learning experiences to life.

Through community partnerships, we've shown that when Englewood invests in education, everyone benefits.

Our volunteer Board of Directors works year-round to raise funds, award scholarships, distribute educator grants, and build partnerships that strengthen Englewood Schools.

The Englewood Education Foundation was created in May 1990 by community members who saw a critical need: talented students were unable to pursue higher education due to cost, and passionate teachers couldn't bring innovative ideas to life due to budget limitations. They refused to accept that funding should limit student potential.

What began as a grassroots effort to provide scholarships has grown into a comprehensive support system for the entire Englewood Schools community. For over three decades, we've maintained our founding principle: investing in education is investing in our community's future.

Today, our work centers on two critical pillars:

Student Scholarships - Making higher education accessible to deserving Englewood graduates, helping them launch careers and break cycles of limitation.

Educator Grants - Empowering teachers to bring creative, innovative programs to life—from robotics and arts programs to mental health support and hands-on learning experiences.

100% of donations designated for scholarships and grants go directly to students and educators.

Whether you're a donor, volunteer, educator, or community member, there's a place for you in our mission.

  • Scholarships
    We award scholarships to graduating EHS and CFHSC seniors pursuing higher education. These scholarships help remove financial barriers and open doors to college, vocational training, and career opportunities.

    Learn more about our scholarship program →

    Educator Grants
    We also provide grants to our amazing Englewood teachers and staff who have innovative ideas to enhance student learning. From classroom technology to field trips, arts programming to STEM initiatives, we fund the programs that make education come alive.

    [Learn more about educator grants →]

    Community Building
    Through fundraising events, partnerships, and awareness campaigns, we rally the Englewood community around a shared vision: that when we invest in our students and teachers, everyone benefits.

  • Since 1990, the Englewood Education Foundation has:

    • Awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to Englewood graduates

    • Funded numerous educator grants supporting innovative classroom programs

    • Served 2,400+ students across Englewood Schools

    • Supported 200+ dedicated educators who inspire our children daily

    • Engaged 35,000 community members in investing in education

    100% of donations designated for scholarships and grants go directly to students and educators.

  • The Englewood Education Foundation is an all-volunteer organization led by a dedicated Board of Directors and supported by engaged community members. Our team works collaboratively across all foundation activities — from fundraising and event planning to scholarship selection and educator grant review — ensuring that every effort stays closely connected to our mission and the students and teachers we serve.

    As a small nonprofit, we are committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and a focus on sustainable growth. We continually evaluate and strengthen our systems to ensure we can serve our community effectively for the long term.

    Since our founding in 1990, countless dedicated individuals have contributed their time, expertise, and passion to advance educational opportunities in Englewood — and we remain grateful for the ongoing support that makes our work possible.

  • As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
    we are committed to transparency and accountability.

    • 100% of donations designated for scholarships go directly to students

    • 100% of donations designated for grants go directly to educators

    • Our all-volunteer board means administrative costs remain minimal

    • Annual Report

    • Colorado Gives Profile

    • (EIN: 84-1145211)

Our Board

The Englewood Education Foundation is governed by a dedicated volunteer board of community members who share a vision of educational excellence for Englewood students

Leadership

  • Karen Miller - President

  • Sean Von Manowski - Vice-President

  • Sandy Winthrop - Treasurer

School District Partners

  • Clarice Fortunato - District Family, School, Community and McKinney Vento Liaison

  • Diana Zakhem - EPS Director of Secondary Success

  • Janée McConnell - Director - School Board

  • Joanna Polzin - District Superintendent

Foundation Members

Tiffany Kapler

Joel Olsen

Duane Tucker

Support Staff

  • Carolyn Armstrong - Volunteer Financial Administor

Are you interested in getting more involved and joining the board? Email Us