SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Who We Are

Supporting Innovation. Strengthening Education.
Founded in 1981 and officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 1982, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation was the first public school foundation in Illinois. Since then, we’ve been committed to empowering educators and enriching student experiences throughout District 186.

Our Mission
We partner with Springfield Public Schools and the broader Springfield community to:

Champion the strengths of District 186
Raise meaningful community support
Fund innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of students and teachers

Our Impact
Over the past four decades, the Foundation has invested more than $3 million into our schools—thanks to generous donations, memorial gifts, and fundraising efforts. These funds have made a wide range of educational programs and experiences possible that might not have otherwise existed.

What We Fund
Foundation support has provided:

Thousands of library books, computers, and science lab materials
Musical instruments and arts education programming
STEAM/STEM initiatives and technology upgrades
Memorial scholarships and outdoor education camps
Extracurricular sports and activities
A fully accessible playground at Lee School

Each year, the Foundation awards grants to teachers and students to support creative, hands-on learning opportunities across all grade levels and schools.

Directors

The Springfield Public Schools Foundation is governed by an independent, all-volunteer Board of Directors made up of dedicated community members. Our board reflects a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared commitment to strengthening public education in Springfield.

The Foundation operates without paid staff. Through a valued partnership with District 186, administrative support is generously provided by district employees.

	2024-2025 Directors
Emily Wright, President	Bryen Johnson, Vice President	Brent Borah, Treasurer

Susie Cross	Susan Hingle	Whitney Rosen
Tanya DeSanto	Bridget Ingebrigtsen	Paula Stadecker
Sheila Feipel	Greg Marantz	Jamie Stout
Ruchi Gupta	Kendra Newman	Vidya Sundareshan
Bree Hankins	Charles Pirrera	Taznim Vohra

	Ex Officio
Rachel Dyas	Jennifer Gill	Julie Hammers

Fundraising

An Evening to Celebrate, Support, and Inspire
Each year, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation hosts its signature fundraising event—the Annual Dinner and Art Auction. This special evening brings together community members, educators, and sponsors in support of innovative learning opportunities for District 186 students and teachers.

🗓 Save the Date:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
📍 Erin’s Pavilion

The Foundation welcomes individuals and corporate sponsors who share our mission to strengthen public education in Springfield. Join us for a memorable evening filled with great food, beautiful artwork, and meaningful impact.

🎉 Thank You to Our 2025 Annual Dinner Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our 2025 sponsors for their generous support. Your contributions help make our work possible and expand opportunities across District 186.

How to Support the Springfield Public Schools Foundation
In addition to attending our Annual Dinner and Art Auction, there are many other ways you can support the mission of the Springfield Public Schools Foundation. Your gift helps fund innovative programs, scholarships, and professional development across District 186.

💻 Make a Donation
Click the “Donate Here” link below to give directly online.

💌 Mail a Gift or Contact Us
Prefer to give by mail or speak with someone?
Contact:
Julie Hammers
📞 217-525-4406
📧 jhammers@sps186.org

📚 Additional Giving Options

Memorial or Honorary Contributions
Give in memory or in honor of someone special.
Scholarship & Memorial Funds
Support a specific scholarship through links in the Memorial Scholarship section above.
Foundation Endowment Fund
Held by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, this fund ensures long-term sustainability.
The Mike Zimmers' Teacher Professional Development Fund
This fund supports educator growth and training.
Corporate Sponsorships
Partner with the Foundation as a business or organization.
$10 Voluntary Student Billing Donation
A simple, optional way for District families to support our mission.
Federal Combined Campaign
Contribute through your federal workplace giving program.
Workplace Giving & Corporate Matching Gifts
Many employers offer payroll deductions and matching gift programs—check with your HR department to see if your gift can go even further!
DONATE HERE

Policy Statement

Springfield Public Schools Foundation Policy Statement
The Springfield Public Schools Foundation is a community-based, not-for-profit [501(c)(3)], foundation designed to solicit, receive and disburse funds in support of the Springfield Public Schools and all students who attend District 186.

Funds received by the Foundation will be used solely to supplement or enhance educational, extra-curricular and inter-scholastic programs and to strengthen the relationship between the public schools and the Springfield community.

The Foundation Board of Directors will make final selection of programs to be funded from proposals consistent with standards set by the District 186 Board of Education.

Membership

Join the Board of Directors

Help Us Champion Education in District 186

The Springfield Public Schools Foundation is led by a small, dedicated working Board. Our mission is to:

Champion the strengths of District 186
Raise meaningful community support
Fund innovative programs that meet the evolving needs of students and teachers

This mission is made possible through the commitment and contributions of our volunteer Board of Directors.

📝 Apply to Join the Board

We welcome individuals who are passionate about public education and eager to make a difference. If you're interested in serving, please complete a:

Board Membership Application

Application Deadline: June 1 annually
Term Length: 3 years
Meeting Schedule: Third Wednesday of each month at 7:15 a.m.
Commitment: Board members are also expected to serve on at least one committee and support our major events, including the Annual Dinner and Art Auction.

Vacancies are typically filled each June but may be considered at other times if openings occur.

💬 Questions?

Please contact:
Julie Hammers
📞 217-525-4406
📧 jhammers@sps186.org

Grants

SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION GRANTS
For over 40 years, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation has proudly supported District 186. As a community-based, volunteer-driven organization, our mission is to:

Champion the strengths of District 186
Build strong community support
Fund innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of students and educators

We work in close partnership with District 186 and the broader Springfield community to create a meaningful, lasting impact in our schools.

Grant Information
Each school year, the Springfield Public Schools Foundation offers grant opportunities to District 186 staff to support innovative projects and classroom needs.

Before Applying:
Interested employees are encouraged to carefully review the information below before applying.

How to Apply: All applications must be submitted electronically via Google Forms.
Need Help? A Grant Reference Document is available with application questions and helpful guidance to assist you in the grant writing process.

Be sure to review the Grant Reference document before you begin your application.

2025–2026 Grant Opportunities
Empowering Teachers. Supporting Students.

The Springfield Public Schools Foundation Board of Directors is excited to announce the grant offerings available to District 186 educators for the 2025–2026 school year. This year, the Foundation will offer seven unique grant types:

Cornerstone Grant
Classroom Library Grant
Extracurricular Grant
Special Education Life Skills Grant
Student-Led Grant
O'Shea Builders' Designated Grant
Mike Zimmers' Teacher Professional Development Fund Grant

Application Availability
Application links will be posted on this page as soon as they are available. Be sure to check your District email for announcements and direct access to the forms.

Important Reminders
Applications will not be considered if they include any of the following:

Multiple spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors
Requests for funding for students outside SPSD186
Funding for salaries (including substitute teachers)
Proposals requesting only field trip funding

Questions?
Please contact Julie Hammers at 217-525-4406 ext. 81202 with any questions about the application process.

Grant Name	Description	Due Date
Cornerstone Grants and O'Shea High School Designated Classroom Grants	Unleash your ideas. Make a lasting difference. Teachers are encouraged to submit creative and impactful proposals that address meaningful needs in one or more of the following focus areas: Enhanced Classroom Learning Academic Enrichment Social & Emotional Learning Family & Community Engagement Funding: Up to $2,000 per teacher, per year Funds may be split across two proposals (one per semester).	First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Second semester: To be determined Award notification: First semester - late September and late October. Second semester - To be determined.
Classroom Library Grants	Building Strong Readers, One Book at a Time This grant is open to Pre-K through 8th-grade teachers in Springfield Public Schools. Eligibility: One application per teacher per year Maximum Funding: Up to $750 per teacher Use this grant to expand and enrich your classroom library with age-appropriate, diverse, and engaging books that foster a love of reading.	First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 and Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Second semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Award notification: First semester applications - late September; Second semester applications - late January.
Extracurricular Grants and O'Shea High School Designated Athletic, Activity or Club Grants	Leveling the Playing Field for Every Student Maximum Award: $1,000 Support for District 186: IESA-recognized sports and activities IHSA-recognized sports and activities The O’Shea High School Designated Grants are made possible by the generosity of O’Shea Builders. These grants support: IHSA-recognized sports and activities School-sponsored clubs Purpose of Funding: These grants are intended to help students compete or participate at the highest level of available competition. Priority is given to requests that promote equity and long-term impact, such as: Reusable items Team uniforms Shared equipment Please Note: Travel-related expenses are not eligible for funding. Applications that request items with repeated annual use are strongly encouraged.	Due at 12 noon on the first Wednesday of each month. Applications will be accepted until all available funding has been awarded.
Special Education Life Skills Grants	Expanding Opportunity for Life Skills Learners Generously funded by the Donnelly Family Trust, these grants provide resources to enhance the educational experience of special needs life skills students, supporting materials and opportunities that may not otherwise be available. Open to SPSD186 employees working with special needs life skills students. No maximum award amount; funding is flexible and based on project needs.	First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on the first Wednesda7 of each month. Funding decisions for Special Education Life Skills grants can take up to 2 months.
Mike Zimmers Teacher Professional Development Grant	Supporting Educators. Honoring a Legacy. Established in 2023, the Mike Zimmers Teacher Professional Development Fund was created to support Springfield Public School District 186 teachers seeking opportunities for professional growth that may not be financially supported by the district or personal means. Mike Zimmers was a dedicated educator, coach, principal, district administrator, and Board of Education member who served the Springfield Public Schools for over 40 years. A long-time advocate of the Foundation’s mission, Mike envisioned a fund that would help teachers attend professional development events such as meetings, webinars, seminars, and conferences. He began contributing to the fund in 2020, with plans to formally announce it upon his retirement. Following his passing in October 2022, his wife, Nancy Zimmers, and daughter, Layne Zimmers, generously designated the Foundation to receive memorial donations. Additional major contributions came from his estate and family, helping ensure that his vision would live on. Today, the fund awards up to $5,000 annually, divided between first and second semester application periods. The application can be found here.	First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 and 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Second semester applications are to be determined.

Grant Name

Description

Due Date

Cornerstone Grants and O'Shea High School Designated Classroom Grants

Unleash your ideas. Make a lasting difference.

Teachers are encouraged to submit creative and impactful proposals that address meaningful needs in one or more of the following focus areas:

Enhanced Classroom Learning
Academic Enrichment
Social & Emotional Learning
Family & Community Engagement

Funding:
Up to $2,000 per teacher, per year
Funds may be split across two proposals (one per semester).

First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, and 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Second semester: To be determined

Award notification:
First semester - late September and late October.

Second semester - To be determined.

Classroom Library Grants

Building Strong Readers, One Book at a Time

This grant is open to Pre-K through 8th-grade teachers in Springfield Public Schools.

Eligibility: One application per teacher per year
Maximum Funding: Up to $750 per teacher

Use this grant to expand and enrich your classroom library with age-appropriate, diverse, and engaging books that foster a love of reading.

First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 and Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Second semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

Award notification: First semester applications - late September; Second semester applications - late January.

Extracurricular Grants and O'Shea High School Designated Athletic, Activity or Club Grants

Leveling the Playing Field for Every Student

Maximum Award: $1,000

Support for District 186:

IESA-recognized sports and activities
IHSA-recognized sports and activities

The O’Shea High School Designated Grants are made possible by the generosity of O’Shea Builders. These grants support:

IHSA-recognized sports and activities
School-sponsored clubs

Purpose of Funding:
These grants are intended to help students compete or participate at the highest level of available competition. Priority is given to requests that promote equity and long-term impact, such as:

Reusable items
Team uniforms
Shared equipment

Please Note:

Travel-related expenses are not eligible for funding.
Applications that request items with repeated annual use are strongly encouraged.

Due at 12 noon on the first Wednesday of each month.

Applications will be accepted until all available funding has been awarded.

Special Education Life Skills Grants

Expanding Opportunity for Life Skills Learners

Generously funded by the Donnelly Family Trust, these grants provide resources to enhance the educational experience of special needs life skills students, supporting materials and opportunities that may not otherwise be available.

Open to SPSD186 employees working with special needs life skills students.

No maximum award amount; funding is flexible and based on project needs.

First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on the first Wednesda7 of each month.

Funding decisions for Special Education Life Skills grants can take up to 2 months.

Mike Zimmers Teacher Professional Development Grant

Supporting Educators. Honoring a Legacy.

Established in 2023, the Mike Zimmers Teacher Professional Development Fund was created to support Springfield Public School District 186 teachers seeking opportunities for professional growth that may not be financially supported by the district or personal means.

Mike Zimmers was a dedicated educator, coach, principal, district administrator, and Board of Education member who served the Springfield Public Schools for over 40 years. A long-time advocate of the Foundation’s mission, Mike envisioned a fund that would help teachers attend professional development events such as meetings, webinars, seminars, and conferences.

He began contributing to the fund in 2020, with plans to formally announce it upon his retirement. Following his passing in October 2022, his wife, Nancy Zimmers, and daughter, Layne Zimmers, generously designated the Foundation to receive memorial donations. Additional major contributions came from his estate and family, helping ensure that his vision would live on.

Today, the fund awards up to $5,000 annually, divided between first and second semester application periods.

The application can be found here.

First semester: 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 and 12:00 p.m. noon on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Second semester applications are to be determined.

Memorial Scholarships

Current Scholarships and Memorial Donations
In addition to the General Fund which supports the variety of grants offered by the Foundation to teachers and students, the Foundation manages the following funds and routinely accepts memorial donations. Donations can be made by mailing a check to Springfield Public Schools Foundation, 3063 Fiat Avenue, Springfield, Illinois 62703, or electronically through Paypal by clicking on the fund's title, below. If mailing a check, please indicate the fund or purpose on the memo line.

The Fenner Memorial Scholarship for academics and the arts was established in 1996 to honor the life of Christina Fenner, a teacher at Lincoln Fifth and Sixth Grade Center. This scholarship fund was made possible by a very generous gift of remembrance from Christina's family and many other gifts from her friends and colleagues. Interest income from the scholarship fund is used to provide enrichment experiences in academics and the arts to Springfield Public Schools students who would not otherwise be able to participate in those activities. Please click on the title, above, to access the Fenner Scholarship application and for additional information including guidelines.

Kellsey B. Proctor Twesme Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by the parents of SSHS alumna, Kellsey Proctor Twesme. This fund annually provides a scholarship to a female Southeast High School senior entering an engineering or scientific field.

Springfield Southeast High School Legacy Fund was established by alumni from the SSHS Class of 1980. It is designated to meet a specific need, identified by SSHS administration. Legacy Fund awards will support deserving seniors who might not qualify for academic or athletic scholarships. With a goal to raise $10,000 in 2021 to establish the fund, at least one $1,000 award will be given each spring, in perpetuity. The first Legacy Fund awards were made in the Spring of 2022. No gift is too small or too large.

The Mike Zimmers Teacher Professional Development Fund was formally established in 2023 with the Springfield Public Schools Foundation. Mike was a long-time supporter of the Foundation and its work. His wish was to establish a fund to support, through an application process, Springfield Public School teachers who wish to attend a professional development meeting, webinar, seminar, or conference that requires financial support not available through District 186 or by personal means. For well over 40 years, Mike was involved with the Springfield Public Schools as a much loved and respected teacher, coach, principal, district-level administrator, and upon his retirement, Board of Education member.

Additional information and questions may be directed to Julie Hammers, 217-525-4406 or jhammers@sps186.org.

Thank you for considering the Foundation for your giving!

Donate

How to Donate

Would you like to make a donation to support the Foundation's mission?

Donations can be made electronically through the "Donate" link below or mailed to:
Springfield Public Schools Foundation
Attn: Julie Hammers
3063 Fiat Avenue
Springfield, IL 62703

If donating via check, please include the donation form below with your check donation. If donating electronically, please use the drop-down menu that appears after clicking the "Donate" button below to direct your electronic donation.

Donations to the Foundation's general fund are used to further our mission through a variety of innovative teacher and student-led grants, as well as Foundation initiatives. Additional information regarding the types of grants and initiatives funded through the grants' process can be found in the "Grants" and "Foundation News" links on this page. Thank you in advance for making a difference in our schools!

SPSF Donation Form