OPES Foundation

3/15/2021 12:00 am

The idea for our Foundation came from a PTA playground committee in 2009.  Olde Providence Elementary School desperately needed a new playground, but Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools did not have funds to repair or replace the rusting, splintered structure.  At that time our PTA had to follow strict North Carolina PTA statutory restrictions on how a PTA raises and spends its funds, and guidelines for when it must spend them.   They could not raise the $60-90,000 needed to replace the playground.  

The PTA recognized the need for a separate organization focused exclusively on fund raising to meet the considerable gap between school resources and school needs.

The Olde Providence Elementary School Foundation pursues private/public grants and donations unavailable to PTA organizations. The existence of our own 501(c)(3) organization allows us to strategically raise and invest money as the Foundation deems appropriate and over a time period that best serves the students and staff of Olde Providence Elementary School as well as the community.

​The Foundation and PTA work as strategic partners. Each serves a specific role and is completely aligned to serve the best interests of our school. The PTA remains a critical organization that provides many core programs that enhance the school experience such as funds for classroom books and supplies, Teacher Appreciation Week, and classroom programs like math, reading and science volunteers.

​The Foundation will continue its mission of providing a healthy, challenging and enriching environment for all students of Olde Providence Elementary School by making funds available to satisfy our community’s expectations of an exemplary education for every student.

www.opesfoundation.org