Kentucky School Advocate
June 2022

A total of 223 non-profits participated in Kentucky Gives Day 2022 on May 10, from animal shelters and arts organizations to food pantries and cancer support services. The 24-hour online fundraising campaign, facilitated by the Kentucky Nonprofit Network, celebrated its 10th anniversary in style by surpassing $725,000 in funds raised.

KSBA raised approximately $9,500, 100% of which will support the KSBA Educational Foundation’s CTE and college scholarships for Kentucky high school students. The foundation last participated in Kentucky Gives Day in 2019, raising just shy of $6,000. KSBA Communications Director Josh Shoulta says the increase this year is likely due to greater awareness and expanded access to student aid.

“KSBA launched a second scholarship track this year to specifically support high school students working towards CTE industry certifications,” Shoulta said. “Within a couple months, we had awarded thousands to 67 students in 39 districts. I believe that level of impact inspired folks to give.”

Gifts and pledges to the KSBA Educational Foundation began pouring in the first week of May, many from KSBA members and education advocates. Three organizations in particular played instrument roles in helping to break the association’s previous fundraising record. The Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative made a $2,500 contribution to sponsor a 2022-23 First Degree college scholarship. RossTarrant Architects, a longtime KSBA Affiliate member, issued a $1,500 “homestretch” matching challenge in the final hours of Kentucky Gives Day. The match goal was met a few hours before the midnight deadline. American Fidelity Educational Services, which has sponsored the First Degree scholarship program since it started 11 years ago, offered to match the first $50 of every gift made by their employees. In total, American Fidelity raised $1,050.

“These three organizations helped fuel the generosity of other donors up until the last minutes of Kentucky Gives Day,” said KSBA Executive Director Kerri Schelling. “Contributions from current and former school board members, administrators, our friends and staff. You could really feel the excitement build.”

While Kentucky Gives Day has come and gone, the KSBA Educational Foundation accepts gifts throughout the year. Secure online gifts can be made via the KSBA Educational Foundation website (KSBAEF.org), or checks made payable to the “KSBA Educational Foundation” can be mailed to KSBA Educational Foundation, 260 Democrat Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601.

Contributions help to ensure the association can continue to support students in their pursuit of promising careers. Learn more at KSBAEF.org.