The Dover-Sherborn Education Fund (DSEF) is a volunteer, non-profit, 501 c(3) organization that raises significant amounts of funds for the betterment of the Dover-Sherborn schools. These funds are distributed through a grant program that supports and promotes the enhancment of the educational experience for all children attending Dover-Sherborn Public Schools. The funds raised go beyond the scope of each school's tax supported budget and provides extraordinary opportunities that enrich the excellence of our public schools.
Since 1984 the DSEF grant program has provided the school district over $2,800,000 in awards. These funds have been used to enhance art, science, technology, athletics, and cultural enrichment, as well as core academic curriculum in our schools. Every dollar contributed to DSEF is applied directly to the needs of our schools, the educators, and our children. Your annual support makes a BIG difference.
Innovative projects underwritten by DSEF show how your contribution can help students grow as creative thinkers and enthusiastic learners. The quality and creativity of the awards are proof that the DSEF is a great way for you to fund the future.
Education is not passive in our two communities nor is the support for our schools. Commitment to our children's education is a fundamental part of what makes our schools great. It is easy and effective for our families to deliver support directly to the schools via the DSEF. Faced with the reality of continuing constraints on public funds and increasing school enrollment, the need has never been greater. We hope you share the vision of many of your neighbors and friends who support the DSEF and will make a contribution to help us meet this goal.
Your Donation Put into Action!
Each year DSEF challenges our teachers and administrators to submit grant proposals for funding. Each school has an Access Committee comprised of teachers, school administrators, school committee members, representatives from the parent teacher organizations, and DSEF Board members which prioritize the proposals according to merit, need and availability of funds. Discussions about joint funding with the other parent fundraising organizations in the towns also take place. No idea is too big or too small for consideration. After a rigorous process, all decisions for funding are made in the spring by the DSEF Board.
How are the funds raised?
DSEF conducts two major fundraisers each year. They are the Annual Fall Fundraising Gala and a two-night phonathon in February. Additionaly, DSEF is happy to accept donations at any other time. Donations may be sent to our PO box as shown on the Contac Us page.
What is our goal?
The goal of DSEF is to raise and provide as much financial support as possible to our four public schools through the grant program. The grants awarded to date by DSEF has made a noticeable impact on our schools. Donations to the Dover Sherborn Education Fund will insure that the teachers and children reach their fullest potential as educators and students. Let’s continue the tradition of support for public education that our two towns have historically shown.