Today we’d like to introduce you to North East.
Hi North East, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) was established in 1986 as a vision of community and district leaders who believed that public education deserved innovative resources beyond what traditional funding allowed. At that time, North East ISD was growing rapidly, and there was a clear need for additional support to ensure our students had access to cutting-edge learning experiences that would set them up for success in college, career, and life.
NEEF was created to be that support system.
What began as a small group of committed volunteers has grown into a strong 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a Board of Directors made up of business leaders, community partners, and dedicated NEISD advocates, all of whom are committed to elevating education.
Today, NEEF provides funding for innovative teacher and district grants across North East ISD. These grants bring teachers’ creative ideas to life, from robotics and coding labs to hands-on science experiments, mental health and wellness supports, literacy initiatives, fine arts, outdoor learning spaces and so much more. These are projects that would not exist without philanthropic support.
Our Foundation has funded more than $3.4 million in innovative grants since 2010, and each year we work to expand that impact. We want teachers to feel empowered to dream big and we want students to experience learning that is engaging, relevant, and future-focused.
NEEF is supported through community donations, grants, corporate partnerships, and signature annual events like the Jerry Comalander’s Fore! the Kids Golf Tournament and our annual Gala. We also partner with NEISD campuses, families, community leaders, and corporate sponsors who believe in public education.
Almost 40 years later, our mission remains the same: to enrich the educational experience of every NEISD student by investing in the ideas and innovations that spark joy in learning.
We’re proud of where we started and even more excited about the impact ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our journey hasn’t always been smooth, but each challenge has strengthened our mission. In the early years, building awareness and gaining trust within the community was a major hurdle. Convincing potential donors and partners to support public education in new, innovative ways required persistence and clear communication about the impact their contributions could make. Additionally, as North East ISD grew, we had to find creative ways to scale our programs and ensure that grant funding reached as many students and teachers as possible. Despite these challenges, the commitment of our Board, volunteers, and community partners has allowed us to overcome obstacles and continue growing our impact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At NEEF, our work focuses on enriching the educational experience for every NEISD student. We specialize in funding innovative teacher and district grants that bring creative learning ideas to life, whether that’s hands-on STEM projects, mental health and wellness initiatives, literacy programs, fine arts experiences, or outdoor learning environments. We are most proud of the thousands of students who have benefited from these programs and the over $3.4 million in grants we’ve been fortunate to fund. What sets us apart is our ability to connect passionate educators with the resources they need to dream big and deliver engaging, meaningful learning experiences that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has played a role in opening doors and creating opportunities along the way, but it’s been the consistent hard work, dedication, and vision of our team, Board, and community partners that has truly driven our success. We’ve been fortunate to meet like-minded supporters who share our belief in the power of public education, and those connections have been critical in growing our programs. While good fortune has helped, it’s the strategic effort and collaborative spirit behind every decision that ensures our impact is lasting and meaningful.
Pricing:
- NEEF is grateful for support of any size, and donations of any amount make a meaningful impact on the students and teachers we serve. In addition, there are several opportunities to engage through sponsorships and events, including:
- Foundation Gala – Sponsorships start at $500 for the Heart of Gold level and range up to $10,000+ for table and underwriter opportunities.
- Jerry Comalander’s Fore! the Kids Golf Tournament – Various sponsorship levels are available, from $500 for underwriter sponsorships to $10,000+ for presenting sponsor.
- Fiesta Footsteps for Education 5K and Wellness Fair – Event sponsorships provide visibility and support for NEISD students, with levels ranging from $150 to $10,000+.
- These sponsorships provide public recognition for businesses and individuals while directly funding grants, innovative classroom projects, and programs that enhance the educational experience across North East ISD.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northeastfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neisdfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEISDFoundation/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/north-east-educational-foundation
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NEISDFoundation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NEISD_NEEF
