The CCSD Board of Trustees approved the Foundation's bylaws on October 1, 2025.
An independent foundation allows a legal pathway for community engagement and fundraising that is otherwise unavailable to the school district. For example, multinational companies have policies that require 501(c)3 status for tax purposes in order to contribute or partner with the school district. The independent structure ensures the Foundation can engage community partners broadly, minimize political influence, and maximize fundraising opportunities. Ex-officio Board members (Superintendent, CFO, Trustees, Principal, Teacher) preserve strong ties to the District (Art. V, Sec. 5.02).
Important considerations are (1) that trustee appointees are free of any conflict of interest, (2) the appointees foster a commitment to the success of the foundation, and (3) the ex-officio members remain engaged in oversight with their ultimate control over the foundation’s status.
The Mission:
Charleston County School District Education Foundation serves as the center for innovation, investment, and collaboration, aligning community generosity with the school district's strategic priorities.
The Vision:
Charleston County School District Education Foundation envisions a public school district where all students, educators, and schools thrive by the collective strength of philanthropy, industry, and community partnerships.
The Foundation anticipates modest startup costs and expects a high ROI as philanthropic contributions grow. All funds are independently audited annually and must directly support the Foundation’s charitable purposes (Art. IV, Sec. 4.06). A formal budget and goals will be appropriately established following an independent needs assessment and resource inventory process is complete. No funds will be appropriated by or borne from the district besides what is referenced in the question above. Startup costs will be funded via the existing balance from the Academic Project Fund via the Coastal Community Foundation (CCF). Of course, having staff is an additional cost over and above the current arrangement with the CCF, but we would not be able to elevate the efforts of a foundation without these positions in place.
Yes, Articles of Incorporation have been filed.
The CCSD Education Foundation's EIN is: 41-4370669
No Board policy changes are needed. Staff reviewed other South Carolina education foundations to ensure alignment with state law and found that no districts maintain policies governing their education foundations, as they are legally separate entities.
A quorum is defined as a majority of Directors in office immediately before the meeting (Art. V, Sec. 5.05). Ex-officio members are not counted toward the quorum.
Ex-officio members serving as non-voting members ensures transparency, prevents conflicts of interest, and reduces the risk of political influence deterring community engagement. This is common practice at all levels of non-profit organizations, referencing prior response, including “by virtue of one’s office.”
Ex-officio members provide institutional insight and oversight for board members from the community. They also provide input, perspective, and accountability so that the work is aligned with CCSD priorities.
Donors and partners are identified as required by law of all 501(c)3 organizations.
The laws governing 501(c)3 organizations prevent anonymous donors from serving on the board of directors.
Any initiative of the Foundation or donation of a facility is subject to the agreement and stipulations set forth by its board of directors. Policy KCD would apply in the sense that CCSD Board of Trustees would still have to approve certain material levels of donations, and the foundation would still be required to complete district forms, per the policy.
The bylaws stipulate that Foundation funds are to benefit public schools, not public-private partnerships or charters.
