Contributing to one of our funds is a powerful way to make a difference for students in our schools.
Family Support Program
Typically, between 225 and 325 students enrolled in Corvallis public schools are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. These students face daily challenges that can impact their ability to succeed in school. Donations to CPSF meet needs that enhance family stability, such as emergency financial assistance, after school program sponsorships and supplemental food support.
Graduation Rate Fund
Creating pathways to graduation – it’s what we’re all about. Working closely with school leadership, we fund summer programs and other interventions that will bring real, measurable outcomes for hundreds of students. Examples include Kindergarten Academy, middle school math camp, summer credit recovery, after-school STEM clubs, and college and career readiness programs. Since 2013, graduation rates have risen from 67 percent to 89 percent — and counting. Your donation fuels this positive momentum.
IMAGINE Grant Fund
Each fall, we fund grants for educators to foster deeper learning and engagement of students. These grants promote innovative ideas that inspire and excite kids. From musical instruments to hands-on science opportunities, these awards are an important source of support for classrooms and programs. Since 1997, we have funded nearly $700,000 in IMAGINE grants. Your donations to this fund make a difference in our school communities.
Mario and Alma Pastega Professional Development Endowment
The Mario and Alma Pastega Professional Development Endowment provides opportunities for educators seeking to expand their tools and capacity through further training. Foundation staff work closely with school district leadership to identify strategic opportunities to support new teachers, mentors, and professional advancement opportunities. An investment in educators is an investment in kids.
Student Opportunity for Success Fund
More than one-third of students in Corvallis participate in the free/reduced meal program, which serves as a proxy for economic hardship. Students navigating poverty need assistance with various educational expenses and basic needs in order to participate fully in school. The Foundation’s SOS fund supplies emergency clothing, eye exams, glasses, school supplies, hygiene items, food for the weekend, and other necessities on a case-by-case basis. It also covers fees for field trips, after-school activities, advanced placement and SAT tests, and other costs.
Barbara E. Fry Endowed Fund
This fund was established by retired teacher Barbara Fry to provide funding for K-5 students to participate in art, dance, music, and the communication arts, visits to concerts, museums, and plays.
Better World Endowment for Equity and Inclusion
Established in 2017 through the generosity of Gifts for a Better World, the Better World Endowment for Equity supports programs and projects that expand opportunities for historically underserved and underrepresented students and promote equity and inclusion.
Bicycle Safety Education Endowed Fund
This fund was established by the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club to provide ongoing support for bicycle safety education in Corvallis public schools. Additional gifts to this fund ensure that all students have an opportunity to learn to ride safely and responsibly.
Corvallis High School Class of 1958 Legacy Endowed Fund
This fund was created by the Class of 1958 as a living legacy to support the evolving needs of Corvallis High School students. The group’s goals are to fund one or more annual scholarships for graduates and to support opportunities for students in the CHS Life Skills program. Learn more about this fund.
Corvallis High School Class of 1966 Student Participation Fund
This fund was established by the CHS class of 1966 on the occasion of their 50th high school reunion. Its purpose is to support basic needs and educational enrichment opportunities for students navigating poverty. The fund may be used to encourage participation in school-sponsored endeavors and activities such as the arts, athletics, culture, and technology, and to provide any other assistance to enable students to achieve an enriching experience while a student at CHS.
Corvallis High Schools Golf Committee Fund
This fund was established in 2017 to provide support for the golf programs at Corvallis High School and Crescent Valley High School.
Doris L. Myers Memorial Endowed Fund
This fund was established in memory of Doris L. Myers, a longtime school district employee. The fund supports innovative learning projects through the CPSF learning enrichment grants program. Additional gifts to this fund will ensure continued support for innovative approaches to learning.
Harold and Alma Moldenke Outdoor School Endowed Fund
This fund was established by Alma Moldenke in honor and memory of her husband, Dr. Harold N. Moldenke to support the school district’s Outdoor School and environmental education programs. Additional gifts to this fund will ensure continuing support of environmental education of Corvallis students.
Hetherington Family Fund
Established in 2019 by William and Ann Hetherington, this term endowment supports hands-on, real-world learning in science, technology, engineering, and math at the middle and high school levels. If STEM projects are not an option, funds may be used in the area of social studies, government, and music. Funds are to be spent in full by 2035.
The Jared Pastega Endowed Fund
Inspired by Jared Pastega’s loving kindness, the Jared Pastega Endowed Fund was established in 2022 to support the Student Opportunity for Success (SOS) Fund at Crescent Valley High School. SOS Funds provide emergency clothing, eye exams, glasses, school supplies, hygiene items, food for the weekend, and other necessities on a case-by-case basis. It also covers fees for field trips, after-school activities, advanced placement and SAT tests, and other costs.
The Joe Malango Endowment for Theatrical Arts
This fund was established in 2020 in honor and memory of long-time Corvallis High School teacher Joe Malango. The fund supports the Theater Arts program at Corvallis High School and the joint summer program of Corvallis High School and Corvallis School District Theaters.
Mario D. Pastega Golden Apple Endowed Fund
Established in 1996 by Mario Pastega, this fund provides cash awards to teachers as part of the annual Golden Apple Awards. The Golden Apple Awards recognize outstanding achievements by district teachers and staff and are managed by the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation.
Midge Mueller Fund
This endowed fund was established in 2015 in memory of Midge Mueller, a former math teacher who loved teaching middle school students. The Midge Mueller Fund offers assistance to middle school students who need extra support with math education.
Yvonne Thomas Fund
Recognizing the impact that a student’s mental health has on student success, this fund was established in 2022 to support 509J staff professional development opportunities related to mental health and behavioral support and prevention for students.
Zel Brook Art Project Endowed Fund
Zel Brook established the Art Project Endowment to support the creation of projects in the fine arts of sculpture, painting, and drawing, including murals or other works of mixed media such as tile by students in the Corvallis public schools. Funds may also be used to support permanent installation of a project in a Corvallis public school. Additional gifts to this fund will ensure continuing support for student art projects.
Zoe A. Silbernagel Endowed Fund
This fund was established by the Silbernagel family in honor and memory of Zoe Silbernagel to support CHS student participation in athletics and the performing arts. As the CHS registrar for twenty years, Zoe loved interacting with students. Whether she was in her office or the counseling center, mingling with students at lunch, or traveling with the choir, Zoe was a steady and thoughtful presence for CHS students.