FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
SEF is a local non-profit organization founded in 1986, dedicated to supporting students and teachers in the Snohomish School District. Through community donations, grants, and fundraising events, SEF funds scholarships, innovative classroom grants, and district-wide programs.
SEF’s mission is to elevate opportunities and possibilities for students in the Snohomish School District. The foundation’s vision is to inspire, excite, and empower students. This is done by providing financial support for educational programs, scholarships, and classroom resources.
- Scholarships for graduating seniors from Glacier Peak, Snohomish, and AIM High Schools.
- Innovative classroom grants to fund creative projects and resources for teachers.
- District-wide programs, such as Summer Academy, Credit Recovery, the middle school transition program, and library services.
- The Hansen Shoe Fund which provides shoes to students in need.
Scholarships are available to graduating seniors from Glacier Peak, Snohomish, and AIM High Schools. Applications typically open each February, and criteria vary depending on the specific scholarship.
SEF offers classroom grants, innovation grants and experiential grants to teachers and staff across the Snohomish School District. These grants help fund creative and impactful projects in the classroom, providing resources for activities, materials, and technology that enhance student learning.
Donations can be made directly through SEF’s website at www.snoed.org. You can choose to make a one-time gift, a recurring donation, or support specific programs such as scholarships or teacher grants. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of students and educators.
Yes! SEF holds several fundraising events throughout the year, including:
Annual Auction (online and live) – a community-driven event to raise funds for various SEF programs. This event is typically held each November.
Breakfast Event – an opportunity to learn about SEF’s impact and support future initiatives.
There are several ways to get involved, including:
- Volunteering at SEF events.
- Donating to support scholarships, teacher grants, or district programs.
- Attending events such as the auction or breakfast.
- Sponsoring SEF programs or events.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.snoed.org or email office@snoed.org.
In 2024, SEF funded over $79,000 in classroom teacher grants, awarded $50,000 of its own scholarships and managed and provided another $250,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors. It also supported district-wide programs with $70,000 in funding. SEF also contributes to initiatives like Operation School Bell, Teen Retail, and hosts the Hansen Shoe Fund, which has provided thousands of dollars in shoes for kids over the years.
While tax dollars and levies contribute to basic educational needs, such as salaries and supplies, they don’t cover everything. The SEF supplements state funding by providing additional resources like classroom equipment, educational materials, and college scholarships, enhancing opportunities for students across the Snohomish School District.
Your PTA/PTO helps specific schools, while SEF supports district-wide initiatives and programs. By donating to SEF, you’re helping students throughout the entire district, including providing scholarships for graduating seniors, beyond the scope of individual schools.
SEF uses funds from events like the year-end ask to support classroom grants, scholarships, and district-wide programs. For example, in recent years, SEF has funded teacher grants, awarded scholarships to graduating seniors, and supported various student-focused initiatives that foster innovation and academic excellence.
The SEF Board of Trustees collaborates with the Snohomish School District to identify needs and prioritize projects. They select initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission, ensuring resources are allocated to impactful programs that benefit the entire district.
Yes, you can designate your donation to a specific program or school if you prefer. SEF welcomes contributions that align with donors’ interests, whether for classroom grants, scholarships, or other initiatives.
No, SEF is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. While it works closely with the Snohomish School District, it operates separately, guided by its own Board of Trustees and staff. SEF’s mission is to enhance educational opportunities for all students in the district.
