Preparing tomorrow's leaders, TODAY!

July, 2025

      The Somers Education Foundation is now in its third decade. It met the challenge made in 2014 to grow the endowment to $1,000,000 by year 20. This year, total assets increased 12.2% even after $73,536.86 in grants was awarded and fundraising decreased by $33,544 YoY. This brings the total awarded since its founding to $785,102. SEF has had a total impact (grants + endowment market value) of $1,921,641 since its inception. For some perspective, in its first year SEF raised $14,000 and awarded $5,900 in grants. This year’s awards are unique for two reasons - in terms of Professional Development grants, it is the largest single-year amount ($29,645) and the largest number (55) ever awarded. 

      The Geissler’s Receipt Program has been a mainstay of funding since 2007. SEF thanks the Nilsson Family every day for its incredible generosity. 

      The Hartsprings Program fundraising results more than doubled year-over-year. SEF also received a very gracious donation of $1,250 from the 40th High School reunion class.

       One of SEF’s founding tenets was to build a sustainable endowment to be able to award grants regardless of the economy and fundraising results. According to plan, the endowment was left to grow over the first ten years and first accessed in 2014-15. Given this year’s fundraising results, it is working exactly as envisioned. To quote State Senator John Kissel, "SEF is a real grown-up Foundation."

        The phrase “From tiny acorns do mighty oak trees grow,” could not be more relevant or appropriate for SEF’s success.

        SEF’s goal is, in the words of its first President Lou Bachetti, to “think big,” grow the endowment, increase community awareness, and provide greater funding for educational opportunities for every student in the Somers Public School System. 

        Thank you for your generosity. This could not have happened without your trust and support. 

Paul Salva, President 

and the SEF Board