What We Do

By raising and awarding funds for innovative educational initiatives, we’re helping to further the development of students throughout the Zionsville Community Schools.

We make grants that make differences.

Zionsville Community Schools is the lowest-funded public school corporation per student in the state. The funds raised by ZEF are used to help bridge the gap between the basic curricular necessities provided by the state funds, and the innovative ideas our educators create to encourage our students to develop into lifelong thinkers.

To support our mission, ZEF depends on corporate sponsorships, individual donations, support from community merchants, and fundraising events (such as our annual ZEF Bash). For more information on corporate sponsorship or community merchant support, please download our sponsor brochure below and contact Julie Bradley by phone 317-873-8052 or email.

Download Our Sponsor Brochure

How we help.

ZEF’s Classroom Grants enrich Zionsville Community Schools’ STEM, Technology, Arts, Literacy, Interdisciplinary, Cognitive/Motor Skills and Social Sciences curriculums. Examples of recent initiatives funded by ZEF include laptop programs, equipment for a student-run video production studio, materials supporting a school-wide literature study, and financial support for artists-in-residence.

Our Imagine Professional Development Grants are awarded to experienced educators in our community, promoting professional growth and renewal opportunities.

ZEF also supports students involved in extracurricular activities through our Student Enrichment Grants, which award funds to school-sanctioned academic, philanthropic or student government teams and clubs.

Finally, a generous grant from Community Foundation of Boone County lets ZEF contribute matching funds for Donors Choose projects.

ZEF grants work.

``Uke Can Do It``

“I cannot speak enough about how this grant has influenced my teaching and my personal musicianship.” – Rebecca Hampton

“Bringing the World to Zionsville”

“I had a parent stop me to tell me that her high school son came home and shared about his VR experience in class. This was the first time all year that he talked about what he had learned at school.” – Kyle Beimfohr

“Production Junction: Where Creativity & Technology Meet”

“This grant has provided amazing learning experiences for me as an educator.” – Liz Overberg

“Jr. Great Books: Learning How to Think Critically”

“Thanks so much… these books and teaching practices are powerful and I am honored to be using them for years to come!” – Jenny Hamelmann

ZEF Newsletters

ZEF eNews is a great way to keep up on all our activities. As well as getting the latest on our events, grant awards, special projects and other activities, you’ll be the first to know what we’ve got planned for the future (and, should you wish to browse back issues, what we’ve accomplished in the past). Sign up for the ZEF eNews today.

See Our Newsletters

Help us help Zionsville students.

Our mission is supported by many generous donors, including corporate sponsors, community merchants and individual donors. We welcome contributions at any time, and host several fundraising events each year.

Get Involved