Springfield Education Foundation is here for you!
SEF is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1994. SEF works closely with Springfield Public Schools to financially supplement innovative educational opportunities for SPS staff and students through grants, literacy programs, STEAM programs, basic needs, CTE support, and many other enrichment opportunities.
The SEF office is located in the SPS Administrative Building at 640 A St. in downtown Springfield. Stop by and say hello! We work only to further the excellence of SPS students and educators – our mission is to empower student success through community engagement.
SEF currently employs two staff members: Christina San Filippo, Executive Director, and Ashley Mahlum, Program Coordinator. This staff is supported by an active, working, volunteer Board of Directors comprised of 16 community members, including SPS Staff. Are you interested in volunteering with SEF or joining our Board? Find our Volunteer Opportunities here.
Click below to see the ways SEF can support you, your students, and your school!
Visit our Grants Page to learn about funding for your classroom through Innovative Educator Grants, Social Emotional Learning Fund (SELF) Grants, and Frank Sherman Grants for health, physical, and outdoor education. Grant applications are accepted for funding the following school year from December 1 – April 1 of each year.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit, SEF can accept donations on behalf of schools or programs in our district. We maintain the funds in restricted funding accounts, and disburse them when needed for your program or school.
One of the benefits of utilizing SEF is that we can issue tax-donation receipts to the donors, whether it be an individual or a business. They can then use this receipt for tax purposes.
If a donor wants to give directly to SEF in support of your program online, they can visit our donation page and specify the school or program in the comments section. If they’d like to send a check, make sure they know to indicate which program in the memo line and make the check out to:
SEF
PO Box 663
Springfield, OR 97477
Feel free to reach out to info@springfieldeducationfoundation.org if you have any questions.
SEF has restricted, donor directed funding for most schools, programs, or initiatives. Some examples of these pools of funding include:
- Literacy programs including BookFest, Gift of Literacy, and Oregon Battle of the Books
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Programs
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathways
- Social Emotional Learning
- Health, Physical Fitness, and Outdoor Education
- Arts and Music
- Basic Needs and Family Resource Centers
- …and so many more!
SPS Payroll Contributions
Join SEF’s Champions Circle!
Our Cause – As an SPS employee, you already know how much impact we can make when we come together to support our schools. By becoming a sustaining monthly donor to Springfield Education Foundation (SEF), you directly invest in programs that uplift students, enrich classrooms, and support educators. Whether you choose to support a specific school or program or direct your donations to the general support of SEF, your contributions ensure that SEF continues our mission of empowering student success. Let’s build a brighter future for every student in Springfield, together!
What You Can Win – Giving back has its perks! Every SPS Sustaining Monthly Donor, existing or new, will be automatically entered to win exciting prizes:
Grand Prize: A vacation package to Pineapple Beach Club in Antigua – a well-deserved tropical getaway! Includes up to 10 nights of luxurious accommodation for up to three rooms (double occupancy), worth over $3,000. Airfare and daily resort fees not included.
Hundreds of Dollars in Gift Cards: Treat yourself or your loved ones with gift cards to Zest Kitchen, Harry Ritchie’s, Main Street Coffee Co, and more!
All Staff Party: The school with the most monthly donors by March 20th will win a party! Enjoy a special lunch for your entire staff, with treats and other surprises!
How to Donate – It’s easy to donate monthly through pre-tax payroll contributions! Here’s how:
Download and fill out the SPS Employee Contribution Form.
Choose any monthly donation amount that feels right for you.
Select where you’d like your funds to go – a specific program, school, or SEF support.
Submit the completed form to the SPS email address listed at the bottom of the form.
Sign up by March 20, 2025, to be entered into these special prize drawings. Together, let’s make a lasting impact for our students and community!
