A. Other schools with established foundations have financed grants, scholarships and extraordinary educational programs with money donated to their endowments.

Q. How does the endowment work?

A. Newton USD 373 formed a partnership with the Greater Newton Community Foundation (GNCF) to invest money donated to the GNCF-USD 373 Education Endowment. GNCF is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. GNCF provides a means for investing the money for the school district without restrictions. Contributions can be invested to attain a higher rate of return than regular district funds. An endowment committee, comprised of residents of the Newton school district, oversees the endowment.

Q. Didn't Newton already have an endowment?

A. Yes, the district has an excellent Centennial Endowment but it is subject to governmental restrictions that do not apply to the GNCF-USD 373 Education Endowment.

Q. How can endowment funds be used?

A. Endowment funds can provide:

• Individual grants to creative teachers and innovative programs that can provide vitality to the classroom.
• District-wide grants to support programs with far-reaching benefits that would not be available otherwise.
• Recognition of outstanding student and staff achievements. 

Q. How does the endowment raise money?

A. The endowment holds an annual giving campaign, an annual gift basket auction and other fund raising events for education.