2. What has GMEF done so far? Raised start-up funds from corporate and private foundations, as well as individuals within the community; Made legal and tax filings to establish itself as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation; Developed a mini-grant program and funded eleven mini-grant proposals from Gill- Montague teachers. The Mini-Grant Program This program provides resources for innovative educational initiatives above and beyond what can reasonably be provided by the school district. Each year a certain amount of money is set aside for this program and local educators apply for funding through a grant application process. The GMEF Board of Directors awards funds based on the merits of each proposal. Our Future Plans The GMEF will continue to solicit support for Gill-Montague’s public schools from area businesses, parents, community members and state and federal agencies. At the present time we are most interested in enriching our programs in the three A’s: academics, the arts and athletics.

3. The GMEF Goals To provide financial support for educational programs and activities that enrich the curriculum; To solicit monetary and in-kind support for the schools from local businesses, community organizations and individuals; To solicit grants from private charitable and corporate funding sources as well as from state and federal sources. To encourage advocacy for public education within the community.

4. Invest in Excellence You Can Make a Difference The GMEF depends on your support. Your donations to the GMEF will help ensure that children in the Gill-Montague Regional School District receive a well-rounded education to become better prepared for tomorrow’s world. Our goal is to achieve 100% participation. How can you help?  Serve on a committee  Provide monetary or in-kind support  Make a “Tribute Gift” As your child reaches a key milestone, celebrates a success or completes the school year, you may want to consider making a special tax-deductible donation to the GMEF to honor a teacher, staff member or volunteer who has made a significant contributions to your child’s educational experience. GMEF will send a note of appreciation, including your personal tribute message, to the honoree.  Encourage support among family, friends and neighbors.  Ask if your company matches personal contributions to charitable organizations. You may be able to double your contribution to GMEF by simply requesting a matching donation from your company. The GMEF Endowment Fund is designed to provide a long term, stable source of financial assistance to the district. Through the Fund, the GMEF can accept individual donations, including gifts of securities, property, life insurance and other estate planning contributions. Contributions to the Endowment Fund become an investment in education that keeps on giving.

5. The Gill-Montague Regional School District is enrolled in the year- round “Schoolpop Shopping Program”. Schoolpop will be helping the GMRSD raise money for Academics, Arts and Athletics Join Today - Free! Register online to www.schoolpop.com Shop at hundreds of name brand merchant web sites. With every purchase you make, the merchants will contribute a percentage to GMRSD at no additional cost to you!www.schoolpop.com Apply for your Schoolpop Visa Credit Card. Every purchase you make anywhere – groceries, gas, clothes, movies, restaurants or through catalog shopping - all contribute 1% to GMRSD at no additional cost to you.

6. Gill-Montague Education Fund Board of Directors Chris AustinRachel Kent Ann BanashSue LaPan Jack BassettBob Mahler Ernie BrownRob Morrill Betsy BurnhamJoyce Phillips Marylou EmondLaurel Rollins Marty EspinolaConnie Sicard John FoxMarissa Sicley Sue GeeNick Waynelovich Carol Jacobs

7. Gill-Montague Education Fund P.O. Box 383 Turners Falls, MA 01376 Send your tax-deductible contribution to: Gill-Montague Educational Fund – Donation Form Privacy Statement: The Gill-Montague Educational Fund (GMEF) will use the personal information provided in this site for the purpose of accurately processing your donations or responding to your inquiries and feedback. Your personal information contained in GMEF’s records will be used only for GMEF business. Yes! I want to help build a local community of support. Here’s my contribution: $25.00___ $50.00___ $100.00___ $250.00___ Other __________ Name: ___________________________________ Title: ____________________________________ Company: ________________________________ Address: ________________________________ ________________________________