Olympia Education Foundation Spotlight

At the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, we believe every organization—no matter its size—can plan for the future while continuing to uplift the community it serves. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight our partnership with the Olympia Education Foundation (OEF), a catalyst for cultivating student potential in Olympia for more than 25 years.

Rooted in Community, Built to Last

OEF began in 1998 when civic leaders and parents, inspired by neighboring districts, envisioned a way to ensure community generosity effectively benefited student outcomes. Today, their work is woven into the fabric of local schools:

• ~⅓ of students in the district meet the federal definition of poverty.
• 1,300+ students receive urgent aid annually through the Principal’s Emergency Fund. This funding is managed by the Principals and is a resource that helps school staff remove barriers to school attendance and participation. It’s remarkable how covering essentials like groceries, rent, eye exams, and even laundry vouchers can be the nudge that gets a student back into school.
• $338,000 invested in 2023 alone, funding mental health initiatives, classroom innovation grants, and caregiver workshops on topics like neurodiversity and screen safety.
• More than 75% of OEF’s board members are parents or grandparents of Olympia students, ensuring programs evolve with community needs.

Why an Endowment? Flexibility to Serve Visions into the Future

In early 2024, OEF took a bold step toward sustainability by establishing an endowment with Community Foundation. Amid shifting budgets, OEF formed its first finance committee and strategic plan, prioritizing legacy giving.  

“Our strategic decisions aim to always have funding to do this important work—to do this for the long haul and affect future generations of students,” said Katy Johansson, OEF’s Executive Director. Because of this forward-thinking approach, annual distributions can sustain programs like emergency aid and teacher grants while allowing adaptation to emerging challenges.

Seemingly small interventions have a ripple effect. “A student shared how a laundry voucher helped them and their dad. When I say these resources help students not just survive but thrive, it’s not an exaggeration,” Johansson shared. Beyond that, funding allows teachers to provide educational opportunities to the students of the Olympia School District that wouldn’t otherwise be possible because of resources and funding. For example, one technology teacher was able to devise a curriculum that enabled students to build a fully-functioning hot air balloon (which, while large and impressive, was not person-bearing.) These types of learning opportunities can spark a passion for life-long pursuits.

A Blueprint for Nonprofits: Start Small, Dream Big

OEF’s journey shows how organizations of any size can secure their future through the Community Foundation:

• Low Barriers: Nonprofit Funds start at $10,000, with the Community Foundation handling investment management and complex gifts.
• Local Expertise: With $44 million in assets managed across 135 funds, the Community Foundation ensures resources stay rooted in community priorities.
• Shared Values: Like all Community Foundation partners, OEF’s fund aligns with our vision of a sustainable, equitable South Sound.

“The Community Foundation made the process incredibly easy and wonderful.. [they]made everything happen quickly and easily,” Johansson noted. “This endowment is a huge achievement for the Olympia Education Foundation... It’s about having the foresight to let your money work for you, while you continue to work for the community.”

What’s Next? Olympia Students’ Bright Future

The Olympia Education Foundation envisions a future where students belong, everyone learns, and communities grow. With the endowment in place, OEF is positioned to sustainably continue:

• Removing barriers to attending school.
• Ensuring schools have the resources to remain safe, reliable, enriching hubs for youth in the community.
• Adapting to emerging challenges, such as rising demand for mental health resources.

Inspired by OEF’s story?

‍Learn how the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound can help your organization build lasting impact through the establishment of an Agency Fund, or contact us to start the conversation.