Community 2000 Education Foundation & Chariho Community Educational Projects (CCEP) Box 1161 Charlestown, RI 02813 (401) 322-1182

History The Community 2000 Education Foundation is an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) organization focused on building multiple educational endowments.  The Foundation was formed in the spring of 2000, and it has evolved into partnerships supporting the multiple endowments described below.  Financial support for the Community 2000 partnership endowments comes from a combination of events, grants and contributions from individuals.  The range of individual contributions has been large – from $5 to more than $10,000.  The overall vision is that someday Community 2000 will have 2000 annual supporters. Community 2000 "Need-Based" Scholarship Background The first of these endowments is the Community 2000 “Need-based” scholarship endowment for residents of Charlestown, Hopkinton and Richmond going on to college or additional technical training.  Award winners typically are graduating high school seniors, and the scholarship is renewable annually.  The Community 2000 “Needs-based” targeted endowments include funds targeted specifically to support graduates based on specific criteria of their future education. The culinary portion of the endowment is a partnership between Community 2000 and the RI Chapter of the American Culinary Federation and supports students of the Chariho Culinary program seeking additional culinary arts training.  Other targeted scholarships are the Community 2000/Chariho Professional Women's Organization, Automotive, Carpentry and General Career & Tech scholarships. Rotary Club of Chariho "Community Service-Based" Scholarship Background The second is The Rotary Club of Chariho “Community Service-based” scholarship endowment for residents of Charlestown, Hopkinton, Richmond, Exeter and West Greenwich going on to college or additional technical training.  Award winners typically are graduating high school seniors, and the scholarship is renewable annually by application. Westerly College Club Scholarship Background The third is The Westerly College Club Lois Hamilton Fontaine scholarship endowment.  The Lois Hamilton Fontaine endowment provides need-based scholarships for residents of Charlestown, Hopkinton, Richmond, Stonington, North Stonington and Westerly who have experienced at least one semester of college or technical school training beyond high school.  The scholarship is renewable annually by application. In addition to the three scholarship endowments, Community 2000 supports two project endowments in an effort known as Chariho Community Educational Projects (CCEP). Chariho Community Innovative Projects (CCIP) Endowment Background Thus, the fourth fund is the Chariho Community Innovative Projects (CCIP) Endowment, which was established in January of 2003.   Partners in the CCIP effort include the Community 2000 Education Foundation, the Rotary Club of Chariho and the Rhode Island Foundation.  CCIP provides $10,000 annually in spring and fall grants ($500-$1,000) to teachers, administrators, support personnel, parents, kids or community groups for ideas, unique projects or services with the potential for immediate impact on the educational process in any of the Chariho schools.  A volunteer Grant Review Committee accepts proposals for CCEP grants twice each year (April 1 and October 15).  Grants are awarded for selected proposals at the beginning of each school term. Chariho Community Strategic Projects (CCSP) Endowment Background The fifth fund is the Chariho Community Strategic Projects (CCSP) Endowment, which was established in mid-2007. Strategic Project Grants are intended to support efforts that will demonstrably improve academic performance throughout the Chariho Regional School District. The first CCSP project was funded in the fall of 2009. Larger dollar amounts (up to $5,000) are available, and the Grant Review Committee reviews proposals in April 1 and October 15 cycles. A listing of funded educational projects and application forms for CCIP or CCSP grants can be found on this web site. Education is a life-long journey.  The ability to help our children through the formative and sometimes difficult part of this journey is special gift that our educators can bestow.  It is also a responsibility that the whole community owes to every child.  CCEP’s intent is to give our educators greater resources to carry out their role as catalysts for new ideas, opportunities, and unique or special services --- alternatives that might otherwise be lost for lack of available funding.  Many of us can remember a parent, teacher, class, or coach whose special efforts, guidance and inspiration made “a difference” in our education and lives.  The overall goal of CCEP is to provide an additional tool for educators as they endeavor to encourage a stimulating atmosphere of excellence in education and life-long learning. The CCEP funding is intended to supplement existing, budgeted funds, providing “early support” from the private sector for ideas, opportunities and services that will substantially advance the educational process throughout the Chariho Regional School District. How You Can Participate Individuals are welcome to get involved and become supporters in one or more of four ways: To serve on a committee helping with Foundation governance To be a networker, that is, to help make contacts with new folks interested in education To be a volunteer at various events To be an annual donor at a dollar level that is comfortable for your family budget Donors can split their contribution between the multiple endowments in any manner they desire. The overall Community 2000 message is simple, and there’s room for everyone:  help us grow our multiple endowments and provide support for education and for our future community leaders! For more information on how you can participate, email Chris Philips at jchrisphilips@aol.com or call 401-322-1182.