To be considered as a speaker at one of our events, complete the Request to Present Form and submit it here.
Click here to read the NAEF event cancellation and refund policy.
The National Association of Education Foundations connects job seekers and those hiring through our Career Center.
Members can post a career placement free of charge; non-members will pay a nominal fee. Payment must be received in full before a job is posted to the Career Center.
First, register and pay for the career placement online. Then, send the career placement to info@educationfoundations.org in an email or as an email attachment. Include relevant job information and how applicants should apply [web address, email, etc]. An attached file must be an original file [IE: Microsoft Word]. The career placement will remain online for 30-days, but can be renewed for an additional 30-days at the same rate.
The Certificate in Education Foundation Leadership, CEFL, is the professional standard and is the only certification program designed exclusively for education foundation leaders and executives. This program provides foundation leaders with specific skills and knowledge required to lead and manage an education foundation, regardless of size.
The CEFL Certification Program is offered online in an asynchronous format that is self-paced with weekly deadlines. Optional weekly check-ins over Zoom provide a space to connect in real time with instructors and peers from across the country.
Each course is four weeks; the certificate can be completed in about six months. There is a "Flex" week between each course. This allows students the flexibility to work ahead, catch up on any missed work, or just enjoy some time off.
This six-course program is ideal for education foundation leaders, foundation staff, and board members who are passionate about the advancement of the industry, their foundation, and their professional growth.
Prerequisite
You must be a member in good standing with the NAEF and maintain active membership to retain certification.
Registration
Full program registration and for course CEFL 101 closes on April 21, 2025. You can also choose to register and pay by course.
Registration Fee
The cost for the six-course program is $3,000 and we provide two payment options:
We must receive payment in advance of the course start date to provide you with access to the online learning platform.
Course Calendar
The six-course session begins April 21 and concludes November 17, 2025. Enrolled students may access course materials beginning April 21st; courses being on April 28th.
Access our CEFL Certification web page
Educational foundations are uniquely positioned to generate earned income through before- and after-school programs, specialty enrichment classes, and summer camps. These programs not only serve the students but also create a sustainable revenue stream that fuels impactful initiatives within the classroom. School districts benefit from these partnerships, seeing alignment between the foundation's mission and the educational goals of the district. The programs reflect shared values, reinforcing a sense of community and educational continuity. Through these opportunities, educational foundations can build a holistic ecosystem where earned income fuels meaningful programs, aligning educational experiences with community-driven values and impact.
Featured Speaker
Laura Pitts, CEO, CFEL
Laura Pitts is an accomplished leader with extensive expertise in developing and managing earned income programs within educational foundations. Her focus includes before-school and after-school care, enrichment classes, and summer school programs that offer advancement credit. With a strong background in aligning these initiatives to support educational foundations’ missions, Laura builds programs that not only meet the needs of students and parents but also drive sustainable funding for impactful in-classroom initiatives. Her strategic approach fosters partnerships with school districts, delivering programs that support academic growth and reinforce community engagement.
Member - Complimentary
Non-member - $65
Stay in front of foundation leaders with an advertisement in our February newsletter!
Advertising opportunities include -
The deadline of purchasing February advertising is November 25, 2025.
View digital advertising details & sizing here
Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our Executive Leadership Member Networking Webinar! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.
Discover fresh ideas and proven strategies for advancing your foundation's mission. This virtual event brings together education foundation professionals to explore programming excellence, marketing best practices, and collaborative approaches to fundraising and community engagement.
Session 1 - Tuesday, January 20th
Schedule
12:00 - 12:30 PM EST - Owning Your Story: How Public Schools Can Market for Advocacy, Enrollment & Support
12:30 - 1:00 PM EST - The S.P.I.R.A.L. Reflective Framework: Empowering Educators and Students Through Self-Leadership
1:00 - 1:10 PM - Break
1:10 - 2:10 PM - Raising Big for Our Kids: A Small-Town Guide to Education Foundation Fundraising
2:10 - 2:20 PM - Break
2:20 - 3:20 PM - Quality Standards for Local Education Foundations: How to Make Them Work for You
Session Descriptions
Owning Your Story: How Public Schools Can Market for Advocacy, Enrollment & Support
Presented by Heidi Vega, Director of Communications, Arizona School Boards Association and President, National School Public Relations Association and Dani Cole, Multimedia Communications Manager, Arizona School Boards Association
If you don’t tell your district’s story, someone else will. This engaging, hands-on session will show you how to market your schools with authenticity to drive enrollment, advocacy, and support for bonds and overrides. Attendees will learn how to: (1) craft clear, consistent messaging that resonates with families and voters, (2) use communication channels, including social media, to highlight everyday successes, and (3) turn stories into advocacy tools that build trust and engagement. We’ll also explore how to measure what’s working—so you know when to pivot and when to double down. Participants will also receive a mini-toolkit of customizable avatars, sample messaging, and plug-and-play content ideas they can use immediately. Walk away ready to transform everyday school moments into powerful stories that spark advocacy, inspire pride, and strengthen your community’s connection to its schools.
The S.P.I.R.A.L. Reflective Framework: Empowering Educators and Students Through Self-Leadership
Presented by Dr. Fredah Mainah, Rainbow-Ono Sanctuary and Dr. Esther Andrew, Nature Bright Youth Network
In an era of rising student disengagement, educator burnout, and widening equity gaps, education must evolve from performance metrics to purposeful transformation. As education foundations increasingly support whole-child learning and educator well-being, self-leadership emerges as a crucial capacity for sustainable growth, reflective practice, and culturally responsive development. This session presents the S.P.I.R.A.L. Reflective Self-Leadership Framework, a six-dimensional model designed to empower learners, educators, and community leaders through identity-based development and purposeful action.
Raising Big for Our Kids: A Small-Town Guide to Education Foundation Fundraising
Presented by Kim Crumrine, Executive Director, Royse City ISD Education Foundation
Small suburban communities often present a unique set of challenges and opportunities for education foundations. You might not have Fortune 500 companies knocking on your door or a contact list full of millionaires. But what you do have is something just as powerful: tight-knit communities and a shared belief in giving our kids the best.
This presentation isn't about wishing you were somewhere else. It's about recognizing the incredible strengths right in your own backyard and turning them into fundraising gold. We'll dive into how to: Leverage Your Community's Heart, Think Beyond the Big Check, and Build Lasting Connections. You'll leave this presentation with actionable strategies, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of confidence that you can build a thriving education foundation right where you are.
Quality Standards for Local Education Foundations: How to Make Them Work for You
Presented by Tracy Burger, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and Tammy Brinker Hernando County Education Foundation
The Consortium of Florida Education Foundation’s Foundations for Success Quality Standards set consistent expectations among local education foundations (LEFs) that aim to increase effectiveness, guide growth and improve functionality of the basic processes that a foundation needs to complete its mission and raise student achievement. These standards were developed by and for member foundations from a field of leaders who believe in next-level accountability. Eight years after rollout, the Consortium is sharing lessons learned, feedback from Standards completers and statewide assessment results. Participants will receive steps in using these Standards as a tool for benchmarking, assessment and continuous quality improvement. Participants will understand a quality standards process specifically for LEFs and take away a usable guide to implementing such a process at their own foundation.
Session 2 - Thursday, January 22nd
12:00 - 1:00 PM EST - Seasonal Campaigns with Lasting Impact: The Lynwood Gives Model
1:00 - 1:10 PM EST - Break
1:10 - 2:40 PM EST - Panel Session
Seasonal Campaigns with Lasting Impact: The Lynwood Gives Model
Presented by Elsa Chagolla Executive Director, Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation
How do you design a seasonal campaign that creates lasting impact? Lynwood Gives is the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation's signature fall giving campaign, blending strategic storytelling, alumni engagement, and branded merchandise to build momentum year after year. Through creative videos, a strong brand identity—including an eagerly anticipated annual t-shirt—and intentional partnerships, LPEF turned a single campaign into a trusted community tradition. In this session, attendees will gain a clear framework for designing high-impact, seasonal fundraising campaigns that strengthen brand recognition, attract donors, and amplify community pride. Learn practical strategies for storytelling, partnership building, and donor engagement that can be adapted to any education foundation, regardless of size or resources.
Panel Session - How Foundations Fail, Adapt and Thrive
Moderator Kelly Falck, Executive Director, The Lion Foundation
Panelist Kim Akeley-Charron, Thompson Education Foundation, Sara Hazel, President & CEO, Denver Public School Foundation, Erica Jones, CEFL, Development Director, Carteret Education Foundation, and Sean Neal, Granite Education Foundation
Four foundations, four unique stories, one shared goal — building sustainable, high-impact organizations that truly serve their schools and communities. From avoiding the biggest pitfalls that can sink your foundation to launching rapid-response funds, dressing students for success, and communicating with courage and heart, this panel will offer real-world lessons and replicate strategies. Hear how each foundation turned challenges into opportunities — and walk away with ideas you can implement right away to strengthen your mission and deepen your community impact.
Early Bird [ends on Sunday December 14th]
Member - $199
Non-member - $299
Standard Member [Monday, December 15th - Friday, January 16th]
Member - $299
Non-member - $399
Session Sponsor - $500 [5 available - includes thank you remarks at the start of each session, logo on the welcome slide, send company's website in the Chat Log, and a link to materials [in PDF format] in the Chat Log and in the wrap-up email to all registrants.]
Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our Marketing & Communications Member Networking Webinar! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.
Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our HR & Finance Member Networking Webinar! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.
ImpactED '26 is heading to Phoenix, Arizona! Connect with foundation leaders nationwide for an energizing conference focused on advancing your professional toolkit in philanthropy, fundraising, and organizational leadership. Get ready for top-tier sessions, dynamic networking, and inspiring conversations.
Meet our Keynote Speakers
Kim Bearden
Kim Bearden is the cofounder, executive director, and language arts teacher at the highly acclaimed Ron Clark Academy. More than 145,000 educators from around the world have visited Kim's classroom and have attended her workshops to learn better ways to engage students, promote academic excellence, build relationships, foster creativity, and create a climate and culture for success.
Throughout her career, Kim has received numerous accolades, such as being honored at the White House for being inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. She was chosen from over 70,000 nominations to be honored as the Disney American Teacher Awards Outstanding Humanities Teacher, and the Milken Family Foundation selected her to receive the Award for Excellence in Education. She is the winner of the InfluencHer Award, the University of Georgia Outstanding Educator Award, and the Turknett Character Award for Servant Leadership. Mercedes-Benz recognized Kim in their Greatness Lives Here campaign, and Women Works Media Group named her one of Georgia's Most Powerful and Influential Women.
With a career that has spanned thirty-nine years, Kim has been a teacher, instructional lead teacher, curriculum director, school-board member, staff-development trainer, and middle-school principal. Kim is also a bestselling author of four books: Fight Song, Talk to Me, Crash Course and The House Where We Belong. Her newest book, I Really Need You to Hear This, will be released on June 3rd.
Barry Moline
With 29 years as a CEO, Barry has learned a lot about successful teamwork, management, negotiation, leadership, and influence. He is an award-winning author, who tracks trends and new ideas to work better, together. His award-winning book, CONNECT! How to quickly collaborate for success in business and life, divulges the secrets to developing great company culture and engaging teams.
There is power in sharing our personal stories as a means of connection. From his work with the U.S. Peace Corps in Guatemala to his leadership of associations, businesses, government, and non-profits, Barry has strived to solve the issues of communication stagnation, siloed information, and unfounded assumptions, to help his colleagues better relate to one another and create highly impactful organizations.
With a vast depth and breadth of experience, Barry helps individuals and organizations accomplish their goals. While there's no precise formula for leadership and success, effective people and organizations take similar actions that position themselves for opportunity. Barry is eager to share the keys and secrets that will lead to your success.
Education Sessions
Over the course of three dynamic days, ImpactED '26 will deliver impactful sessions on resource development, programming, collaboration, marketing, board growth, and organizational leadership. Attendees will network with foundation leaders from all over the country in a setting designed to spark conversation, collaboration, and new partnerships.
Click here to view the full ImpactED '26 Agenda
Hotel Information and Sleep Room Accommodation
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix for conference attendees. Use the link below to book your stay.
The cut-off date to book your hotel stay is March 10, 2026.
Hotel Booking Link
Registration Fees
Non-Member - $725
Pre-Conference Education Session
Start your ImpactED ’26 experience early with one of our exclusive pre-conference sessions! To learn more about the sessions and to register click here.
Sponsorship
Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities.
In March 2026, over 300 foundation leaders will convene at ImpactED '26, our national conference, in Phoenix, Arizona to develop and enhance philanthropic, fundraising, leadership, and operational management skills. Your sponsorship of ImpactED '26 will provide knowledge and practical resources to foundation leaders from across the nation.
National Reach: By sponsoring ImpactED’26, you will gain access to leaders from over 36 states across the nation, amplifying your brand's reach on a vast scale. These leaders collectively serve over 20 million children, representing a substantial segment of the nation's educational community.
Influence and Impact: The foundation leaders attending ImpactED’26 are not just influencers in their organizations; they directly affect the educational landscape for millions of children. Your sponsorship puts your brand at the forefront of this influential group, allowing you to be part of the conversation that shapes the future of education in America.
Strategic Alignment: If your company's mission aligns with educational advancement, child development, or community engagement, supporting NAEF is a strategic move. It demonstrates your commitment to these values on a platform that resonates with your corporate social responsibility goals.
As the nationally recognized professional organization dedicated to the development of education foundations, NAEF is proud that our membership includes:
630 education foundations [charter, college, magnet, private and public] of which 81% serve public education systems. 1,325 professional foundation leaders, fundraisers, board members, and leaders of education systems of which 74% are decision-makers. Leaders from 36 states across the nation, who serve over 20 million children
Sponsorship Package Opportunities
Sponsorship Packages open until November 30th; Package inclusions become a la carte December 1st; Non-package a la carte sponsorships available now
Presenting Sponsor [Exclusive] - $25,000 [includes 5 complimentary registrations]
Host Sponsor [1/2 available] - $15,000 [includes 5 complimentary registrations]
Platinum Sponsor [3/4 available] - $10,000 [includes 4 complimentary registrations]
Gold Sponsor [4/5 available] - $7,500 [includes 4 complimentary registrations]
Silver Sponsor [4/6 available] - $5,000 [includes 3 complimentary registrations]
Bronze Sponsor [SOLD] - $3,500 [includes 2 complimentary registrations]
Keynote Book Giveaway [one book] - $5,000
WiFi Sponsor - $10,000
Exhibitor [9/12 available] -
Start your ImpactED ’26 experience early with one of our exclusive pre-conference sessions! These three engaging sessions offer the chance to see innovation in action, connect with peers in an interactive setting, and gain practical insights to take back to your foundation. Each visit offers a distinct experience, and space is limited for each session—so reserve your spot and start ImpactED with fresh ideas and lasting connections!
Pre-Conference Session #1
Executive Director Boot Camp: A Roadmap for Education Foundation Leaders - led by: Robin Callahan, CFRE, CAP®, CEFL and Gail Rothman, CEFL
Key Topics Include:
Pre-Conference Session #2
Experience two of Arizona’s most innovative education programs in one immersive session! Spend 90 minutes with the Arizona Educational Foundation exploring the A+ School of Excellence® program, the only statewide self-assessment model in the nation designed to identify excellence in public education. Learn how AEF uses the A+ initiative to celebrate and support schools achieving exceptional outcomes through a culture of collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement. Then, step into the future of experiential learning with Act One’s Virtual Reality Field Trips, which bring arts, culture, and science destinations directly into classrooms statewide. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies for bring the A+ School of Excellence program to your state and ideas for enriching classroom instruction through technology and storytelling.
Shuttle departs for AEF at 10:15am for an 11:00am arrival time. Half the group will begin with AEF while the other half is with Act One from 11:00am-12:30pm. At 12:30pm, lunch will be provided in the courtyard. At 1:15pm, groups will switch. Shuttle will pick up at 2:45pm to return to hotel.
Pre-Conference Session #3
Turning Data into Opportunity with Helios Decision Center and Nashville Analytics. The ASU Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence is a partnership between Arizona State University and Helios Education Foundation. The interactive real-time Decision Center crowd sources multiple points of data about the education system, the resources of ASU and Helios, and education stakeholders in order to drive positive change and better student outcomes. Partnering with ASU’s Decision Theater and other ASU researchers and thought-leaders, participants will engage with the Decision Center's Tools & Visualizations to examine the education system and model and visualize the impact of potential new policies and innovative solutions on education outcomes. More about the Helios Decision Center
Shuttle departs for the hotel for Helios Education Foundation at 12:15pm. The session starts at 1:00pm. Beginning with a ten-minute introduction, then at 1:10pm groups split with one going to the Decision Center and the other staying in the room. At 2:00pm, groups switch. Shuttle departs Helios for hotel at 3:00pm.
Includes lunch & networking
Executive Director Boot Camp -$125
Excellence & Exploration - $45
Turning Data into Opportunity - $35
Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our Fundraising Member Networking Webinar! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.
Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our Governance & District Relationship Networking Webinar! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.
Connect with NAEF members from across the country at our Governance & District Relationship Member Networking Webinar! This interactive session is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and gain fresh perspectives. Come ready to engage and be inspired.
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