What is the Green Brook Education Foundation?

The Green Brook Education Foundation (GBEF) is an independent, non-profit corporation that raises money to augment the educational experience in Green Brook, New Jersey. It is dedicated to attracting resources from individuals, businesses, and other foundations for innovative educational programs not available through public funding. The Foundation is chartered under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operates under the direction of a board of community volunteers.

Why does Green Brook need an education foundation?

While tax dollars and government funding cover the basic school program required under New Jersey state law, the Foundation aims to fund supplementary innovative educational opportunities that would not be available without private donations. The Foundation seeks to generate and allocate resources that expand the educational experience in Green Brook in partnership with businesses, schools, parents, alumni, teachers and the community-at-large.

Will money gifted by the Foundation reduce the taxpayer’s obligation?

No. The mission of the GBEF is to augment the basic school program via resources that would not be available without private donations. Therefore, the taxpayer’s obligation to fund basic school education is not reduced.

How long has the Foundation been in existence?

The GBEF was established in 2003 by co-founders Jean Marie Ohan, Jennifer Banko, and Christine Griffin.

How does the Foundation raise money?

The GBEF holds a variety of focused fund raising activities that are designed not to interfere with the activities of the school or related associations. Annual GBEF events include the Golf Outing in the spring and the Harvest Gala in the fall. The Foundation also seeks grants, gifts, and endowments from corporations, associations, private individuals and other foundations.

Are donations to the Foundation tax-deductible?

In most instances, cash and non-cash contributions to the GBEF are tax-deductible. The GBEF is a non-profit corporation chartered under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Taxpayers filing the short form with the IRS may not be able to deduct charitable contributions. In the case of quid pro quo contributions, only a portion of the contribution is tax-deductible. If you have any doubts, verify the deductibility of a contribution with either your accountant or the IRS before filing your income tax.

How much money has the Foundation raised so far?

The GBEF raised more than $25,000 at its inaugural event, the first annual Harvest Gala in October 2003.

How is GBEF money spent?

At its inaugural Harvest Gala, held in October 2003, the GBEF announced that proceeds from its fundraising efforts are earmarked initially for Middle School auditorium renovations.

The Foundation’s Directors will appropriate funds based on requests submitted to the board for projects that are consistent with GBEF goals. A more formal grant program is planned but is not yet in place.

What are some of the projects that have been funded by the Foundation?

To date, the foundation funded an evening science entertainment program to supplement the Science Fair at the IEF School in January 2004.

Going forward, the foundation has made renovations to the Green Brook Middle School its first priority. We are actively seeking resources in the form of donated funds and services to achieve this goal.

Why has the GBEF chosen the auditorium as its main goal right now?

Our children each year demonstrate unbridled enthusiasm for the stage at school plays, talent shows, recitals, and assemblies. The GBEF feels that they deserve an inviting and conducive place to explore their budding interests and develop their talents. The present 40-year old auditorium has an antiquated scenery and lighting system. Without air conditioning it becomes uncomfortably warm when fully occupied and is prohibitively hot during the summer. And, the seats are arguably uncomfortable and, in many cases, broken.

Beyond its obvious application for in-school educational activities, the GBEF believes that the middle school auditorium can become a central meeting place that will serve the educational and cultural needs of the whole community in Green Brook. Presently, the town does not have a venue for professional or amateur performances or community gatherings. With renovations, the auditorium can host events including family theatre productions, adult community theatre, concerts, family entertainment shows, science shows, poetry and literature readings, lectures and speaking engagements, senior citizens events, and town meetings. It could also be a venue for children’s summer performing arts camps.

An up-to-date local theater can enrich the lives of all area residents culturally and socially while encouraging our children to explore their passions and learn more about the arts. Public resources are not presently available to support this project. Thus, the GBEF is actively seeking tax deductible resources in the form of donated funds, equipment and services to achieve this goal.

How does the Foundation operate?

The GBEF operates under the direction of an autonomous board of community volunteers and is not affiliated with the Green Brook Board of Education or any related administration or association. The GBEF operates cooperatively with the Board of Education, school administration, teachers, businesses, parents, alumni, and the community-at-large but has no legal connection with any of these entities.

Who can be a Foundation director?

Anyone who lives or works in the township and is willing to commit, on average, 6 hours each month to enriching educational programs in Green Brook can be a director. The GBEF is actively seeking directors. Please contact the Foundation at 732-968-1172 extension 140 or at info@gbef.org if you are interested in helping out.

How is the GBEF different than other organizations in the community?

The GBEF is an autonomous non-profit corporation that is not legally affiliated with the Green Brook Board of Education or the school administration. The sole function of the GBEF is to seek donations of financial instruments, services and equipment from businesses and individuals to fund educational programs not otherwise available through public funding that augment the educational experience in Green Brook. The GBEF is operated by a board of volunteers consisting of town residents and business people whether or not they are personally active in the Green Brook school community.

How can I help?

You can help the GBEF by getting involved as a donor or a fundraising volunteer. Make a donation, seek matching gifts from your employer, volunteer to serve on the board or on a committee, share your ideas, attend GBEF sponsored events, and spread the word! When you support the GBEF, you become a champion of enriched education in Green Brook.

Who should I contact for more information about the Foundation?

For more information, send an email to info@gbef.org, call us at 732-968-1172 extension 140, visit www.gbef.org, or send in your donations to GBEF, P.O. Box 4596, Warren, NJ 07059