What We’ve Learned About Public Education Over the Last Two Years

“Raising Excellence” LinkedIn Newsletter Issue May 29, 2025

We launched The Endowment Project Foundation two years ago with a vision to reshape public education for the better. As our vision comes to life, we continue to learn a great deal about the state of public education, the vastly varying views alumni and donors hold regarding public education, and what obstacles we still need to overcome.

Here are three things we’ve learned:

1. It Doesn’t Take a Lot to Make an Impact

One of the most encouraging takeaways is how far even modest contributions can go.

There are schools for which we have raised six figures, and others only three figures. Delivering philanthropic proceeds in both situations, we have learned, yields tremendous joy. At one of our early partner schools, a small group of alumni gave just enough to fund a few hours of student tutoring. That single program connected students with much-needed support they otherwise wouldn’t have received. The principal was thrilled!

Small gifts do more than just help a few individuals; they spark momentum. They show school leaders, students, and fellow alumni what’s possible and that there are donors in the community who care. That proof of concept is priceless. You don’t need six and seven-figure checks to change outcomes (although it helps). You just need a few committed people and a shared vision for what’s possible.

2. School Bureaucracy Can Be Incredibly Resistant to Change

We’d be lying if we said this has been easy.

Along the way, we’ve faced significant skepticism and pushback. The funny thing is that the opposition rarely, if ever, comes from within the school walls. While we’ve built strong relationships with many education leaders across our partner school systems, we’ve also encountered top-down bureaucracies such as local school boards, superintendents, and legacy education foundations that can be resistant to change. These groups are often wary of outside involvement and concerned with maintaining financial control, even when efforts are alumni-led and closely aligned with the school’s own goals.

We’ve seen, all too often, a scarcity mindset as opposed to an abundance mindset within the bureaucracy. We think it's great when there’s a PTO, Booster Club, County Education Foundation, or even students selling M&M’s to raise a few extra dollars for their school. We firmly believe that all that can exist AND that alumni from the last 60 years, often tens of thousands of potential donors, can contribute meaningful philanthropic dollars to ALSO create meaningful outcomes at the school. Why not use ALL the resources available?

We understand that public schools operate in complex systems, shaped by oversight, compliance, and long-standing structures. What we’ve learned is that resistance isn’t the same as rejection. With patience, transparency, and persistence, we’ve begun earning trust and building relationships that allow us to work within the system. Now that we’ve taken our model national, we are looking ahead, ready to take on the inevitable challenges to come.

3. Donors And Schools Are Looking for Long-Term Solutions

In nearly every donor conversation, there has been a shared desire for an impact that is lasting.

Public school advocates are tired of short-term fixes and one-time fundraisers that disappear when the next crisis or economic downturn arises. Those who care want durability, a coherent strategy, and permanence.

That’s exactly what endowments offer. A long-term fund that schools can count on forever and that changes the landscape of how we view public education as Americans.

Two years in, we’re more convinced than ever that this model can be a linchpin in a permanent improvement in our public education outcomes. We’ve seen small gifts launch impactful programs. We’ve seen initial resistance turn into long-term trust. And we’ve seen donors contribute not just with generosity, but with clear vision and the resources to bring it to life.

There’s still a long road ahead, but we’re moving forward with confidence. Importantly, if these stories inspire you to lead the turnaround of your favorite public school, please reach out to us!

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