PEF Newsletter: Spring Into Action with PEF: Impact Grants, Events & More!

Friends of PEF,

As February unfolds, we LOVE this season of possibility and action at the Petaluma Educational Foundation. From impactful grant award stories to heartfelt events and exciting upcoming programs demonstrating a passion for learning, we’re focused on empowering our students, educators, and community.

Because of YOU, we continue to make a difference and shape a bright future for over 12,000 local students and the community of Petaluma.

With love & gratitude,

Your friends at PEF
Maureen, Katy, Sharon & our new PHS student intern, Abbie

Spring into Action & Help Fund the Future! PEF Impact Grant Program We’re on track to make 2025 another record-breaking award year, but we can’t do it without YOU. Our Fund the Future campaign is crucial to supporting innovative programs and empowering tomorrow’s leaders. Whether you contribute $20 or $2,000, every dollar creates real, lasting change in our schools. Let’s close the gap. We are $66,000 away from reaching our fundraising goal for this academic year, and we need your help to make it happen.

Spring into Action

So, as springtime approaches, we are asking YOU to Spring into Action and spread the word about PEF and the programs we provide to our students and schools. TOGETHER, we can make a difference that impacts generations of students.

💡 Make your impact today.

Donate now!

PEF Scholarship Program

The PEF scholarship application portal has closed for this academic year. Members of the Class of 2025 who applied will receive notification of awards via email in March with an invitation to join family and friends on April 16th at the PEF Scholarship reception. This year, our event will take place at the Petaluma High Gym.

PEF Partners for Education Program

Thank you, Petaluma Market, for recently renewing your support of our PEF Partners for Education annual program!

Become an Annual Partner for Education with PEF!

Through our PEF Annual Partner for Education Program, we offer a customized year-long partnership program. This program provides year-round acknowledgment and exposure for our partners who prioritize education as a top priority in their philanthropic passions.

The year-long program carries a well-rounded benefits package, including BASH sponsorship, PEF Impact Grant or Scholarship Partnership Funding, and other opportunities to brand your business as an active participant in supporting the local school community.

Contact us to learn how to customize this program to fit your organization’s goals.

BECOME A PEF ANNUAL PARTNER!

Educators, what programs do you want to see in your classroom next year? Now’s the time to start planning your 2025-2026 PEF Impact Grant applications! With up to $20,000 per PEF Impact Grant, the possibilities for creating meaningful change are endless. Whether it’s introducing new technology, funding creative arts programs, or enhancing STEM education, we want to help you make it happen. LEARN ABOUT PEF IMPACT GRANTS

PEF School Liasion Program It just launched and is already making news! Let us know if you want to be a liaison for a local school.

Recess: Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! PEF has exciting events lined up to keep our community connected and inspired:

• For the Love of PEF (February 6): This annual celebration honors the heart and soul of PEF—our dedicated current and alumni board members. Photos of the event will be shared via social media.

• Education Day with the Chamber of Commerce (February 11): In partnership with the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce, PEF hosts the PACC Leadership Class Education Day. Business leaders and community members participate in a city-wide campus tour, hearing from educators about our schools’ amazing programs to support student learning across all grade levels.

• Principal Pop-Up / Educator Open House (mid-March): A casual social opportunity for educators to connect with each other and PEF.

• PEF Business Breakfast Club (April): A special session each quarter for financial planners, accountants, and attorneys to gather for a light breakfast and gain relevant information on current industry trends from their peers. Our first breakfast will offer updates on donor-advised funds (DAFs) and legacy giving opportunities. Want to receive an invite? All are welcome! Contact us with your information.

  Looking ahead... the 2025 PEF BASH is on Saturday, September 6th!

Alphabet Soup: Heartfelt Thanks & Cast Your Vote!

This Valentine’s season, we’re feeling the LOVE! Students in classrooms across Petaluma are creating heartfelt Valentine’s Day cards to thank the volunteers who make Alphabet Soup Thrift Stores a success.

From sorting donations to assisting customers, these incredible individuals help turn gently used goods and furniture into funding for the mission of PEF, which benefits students and schools through PEF grant and scholarship programs.

Want to join in this amazing effort? Here’s how:

• Volunteer your time: Flexible schedules and a chance to make a difference in your community and in local education.
• Donate your items: Clear out your closets and know your donation is making a positive impact in classrooms across our town.
• Spread the Word: Share what our stores do with friends, family, and in the community.

Special Opportunity - Cast Your Vote! Right now, you help nominate Alphabet Soup Store for the Argus Courier’s Petaluma People's Choice Awards. 👉 How to participate: 1️⃣ Click the link to nominate us HERE 2️⃣ Share on your social media 3️⃣ Tag your friends and family to join in the fun Nominate now, and share the LOVE of Alphabet Soup Stores!