DRIPPING SPRINGS EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Innovative Teaching Grants
The DSEF (Dripping Springs Education Foundation) is dedicated to empowering educators and inspiring progress. Through the Innovative Teacher Grants (ITG) program, funded by community donations, DSISD teachers and staff are offered the chance to propose innovative teaching initiatives. These grants support groundbreaking ideas, address educational needs, and enhance learning experiences for students and staff, fostering improved opportunities for all involved. The ITG program symbolizes the commitment to elevating education, allowing teachers to unleash their creativity and enrich the learning environment.
Student Leadership Grants
The Dripping Springs Education Foundation (DSEF) has a strong legacy of honoring student leadership. Our Student Leadership Grants program is specifically crafted to nurture the growth of students’ leadership abilities. These grants encourage students to initiate service projects benefiting their school, local community, or broader global causes. Students collaborate with faculty sponsors to apply for these grants, aiming to empower and cultivate their leadership potential. These grants present an opportunity for students to make a tangible impact while enhancing their leadership skills. The application process, taking place during the fall semester, involves a thorough review by a committee comprising board members, community representatives, district personnel, and generous donors, ensuring a careful evaluation of all submissions.
Mental Health Intiative
The Dripping Springs Education Foundation (DSEF) and Dripping Springs Independent School District (DSISD) prioritize student mental health. In 2019, DSEF forged a three-year partnership with DSISD, funding three Licensed Mental Health Professionals across campuses. These experts improved students' social-emotional skills, offered counseling, and implemented crucial interventions. In 2023, the commitment was extended for three more years, expanding to appoint a Licensed Counselor aiding all DSISD staff. This innovative program sets a high standard for mental wellness in education. Donor support sustains these vital roles, ensuring continued mental health services for students and staff, and fostering a supportive environment for learning and personal development.
The Nick LeFevre Community Youth Fund
The Nick LeFever Community Youth Fund offers assistance to DSISD students facing financial barriers hindering their participation in school-sanctioned activities. Eligible students in good standing can apply for financial support to overcome these challenges. The fund aims to help students engage in events and activities that their financial circumstances might otherwise prevent them from participating in, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities within the DSISD community.
Where we work
External reviews
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
The Dripping Springs Education Foundation supports the Dripping Springs Independent School District to inspire and elevate the academic experience of each student in our district and to prepare them for the demands of the 21st century world.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
We achieve our goals through Innovative Teaching Grants, Student Leadership Grants, and the DSISD grant.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
We have committees to evaluate and determine the best Innovative Teaching Grants and Student Leadership Grants to meet our district's needs. District Curriculum and Technology directors participate in the process. The DSISD grant is sum of money given to the district at the end of the year; the DSEF Board discusses current initiatives that align with the Foundation's mission with the DSISD Superintendent to determine how this grant will be designated.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
The Dripping Springs Education Foundation has experienced significant growth in the past few years, last year gifting an unprecedented $100,000 to DSISD and we anticipate duplicating that success in the 2013-2014 school year. We hope to continue to raise our profile in the Dripping Springs community and strengthen donor relationships in order to significantly increase funds raised in future years.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We share the feedback we received with the people we serve, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
It is difficult to get the people we serve to respond to requests for feedback, We don’t have the right technology to collect and aggregate feedback efficiently
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
DRIPPING SPRINGS EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Board of directorsas of 10/31/2023
George Gomez
Mary Jane Hetrick
John Adams
Anne Archanbeault
Brandon Drane
Shelly Edwards
J Foster
Marisa Grijalva
Virginia Hassell
Angie Hendricks
Brent Howell
Ben Ingram
Sarah Kline
Samantha LaMantia Luchak
Stephanie Leibe
Greg Lick
Dan Myane
Garrett Prom
Courtney Roach
Denise Schroeder
Josh Tod
Tedi Wells
Brian Daniel
Danny Rothe
Michelle Wendt
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes