DREAM BIG WITH US!
Join us for our Annual Dream Big Campaign raising important dollars for Quincy Public Schools
Each year, the Quincy Public Schools Foundation holds an Annual Campaign, with the mission of raising funds to support the Quincy Public Schools in the areas of curriculum, technology, fine arts, and athletics. Funds raised during the annual campaign also go toward the work done within the Quincy Public Schools Foundation, helping to expand the Foundation's capacity and grow its impact.
QPS Foundation Exceeds 2023 Dream Big Campaign Goal!
2023 annual campaign goal: $250,000 | Amount Raised: $355,213
The Quincy Public Schools Foundation ended their 2023 Dream Big Annual Campaign on a high note, raising a record-breaking $355,213.42 in donations and pledges. This is the most raised during a Dream Big Campaign, exceeding last year’s record of $321,078.62. The initial goal of the campaign was $250,000. The campaign total was announced during halftime at the QHS Varsity Blue Devil Basketball game, Friday, Feb. 2.
“We are incredibly grateful to the community for the support they have shown for our students, teachers, and administrators. From local businesses to individuals, the tremendous outpouring of support we saw from the QPS community was amazing,” Executive Director Heidi Lanier said. “These additional funds provide so many opportunities for our students, teachers, and administrators. This is an exciting time at Quincy Public Schools and the funds from this campaign will go a long way in enhancing the QPS experience.”
This year’s campaign was chaired by QHS alumni Tim & Wendy Koontz, classes of ’86 & ’87 respectively.
“Wendy and I are overwhelmed by the community support for the Dream Big campaign this year. The students of this district will enjoy experiences that would otherwise be impossible without these fundraising efforts. We cannot thank the individual donors and businesses enough for their continued support of the Quincy Public Schools Foundation,” said Tim Koontz.
“My family has been part of and supporters of Quincy Public Schools for many generations. Tim and I were thrilled to chair this year’s campaign. We have firsthand experience about the amazing work being done in our schools, and cannot wait to see how our teachers and students are impacted. Thank you for Dreaming Big with us,” said Wendy Koontz.
In addition to the funds raised by the community through this campaign, the QPS Foundation raised an additional $243,359.05 in grants supporting the work of QPSF and special projects within the district this fiscal year, which started July 1, 2023. Securing grant funding is another function of the QPS Foundation, and grants secured have gone toward funding a variety of resources for the district, including Smart Boards for QJHS and a video screen in the QHS Gym.
Proceeds from this year’s campaign will be allocated to the five “pillars” of the Foundation: curriculum, technology, fine arts, athletics and endowment, operations of the Foundation, and special projects within the district. A portion of the money donated will also benefit new and existing Circles of Investment, per the donor's wishes.
Each year the Foundation makes grants to teachers, schools and the district administration in fulfillment of their mission. In the last fiscal year, the Foundation provided over $295,000 of support to the Quincy Public Schools and has connected Quincy Public Schools with tens of thousands of dollars from other community organizations.
The QPS Foundation continues to encourage donations for Circles of Investment, which are endowment funds benefitting specific designations across the school district. Contributions may be made at any time to support existing Circles.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR 2023 DREAM BIG ANNUAL CAMPAIGN CHAIRS
Dear Friend of the Quincy Public Schools,
If you were able to join us for the 2023 Night to Dream Big, we would like to thank you for your support and hope you left excited about the Quincy Public Schools. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the amazing opportunities our students and staff enjoy because of the amazing support the QPS Foundation receives.
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Your Donations Make a Difference
Over the past five years, supporters have enabled the QPS Foundation to:
Distribute overto the schools
Fund overQPS teacher/staff grants
impact nearlystudents annually
Why support?
A Healthy School System is a Healthy Community
A thriving educational experience is the lifeblood of a healthy community. While tax funding provides for the essentials, the Quincy Public Schools Foundation is here to make sure that every student has access to the tools they need to grow into successful community members. This includes making sure teachers have the resources they need to be their best and schools have the facilities to provide engaging learning opportunities.
Investing in our schools is investing in our community's future.
Balancing Immediate Needs Vs. Long-Term Success
The money raised during the campaign helps to fund immediate projects in the district through the distribution of non-endowed gifts, while also safeguarding & enhancing the future of the Quincy Public Schools Foundation though the investment of endowed gifts.
Both types of support are so important to the ensuring the Quincy Public Schools experience is fulfilling and exceeding the needs of our students.
Giving Back to an Institution that Gave So Much
QHS Alumni know that when they were student, they were supported by previous generations of Blue Devils who cared about their success. As QHS alumni graduate, they can pay it forward to ensure current and future students have the same opportunities they did. These experiences are not guaranteed, but made possible by those who understand the importance of giving back.
Being a Blue Devil is something to be proud of, and it is up to all Blue Devils to continue that time honored tradition of quality. Through the QPS Foundation's Annual Campaign, the entire community can invest in student experiences that lead to the distinctive excellence for which QPS is known.
a note from our executive director
THANK YOU to everyone who has come together to support the work of the QPS Foundation. We see the impact these donations make within our schools every single day. From the classrooms, to the athletic fields and auditoriums, and beyond, your donations are making a difference!
With your continued support, we will continue to make sure our students receive an outstanding educational experience.
Heidi Lanier, Executive Director
Quincy Public Schools Foundation
lanierhe@qps.org | 217-228-7112, ext. 1641
Past Campaigns
The QPS Foundation has seen strengthening community support over the years, as it grows its impact and increases the support it sends to the district.
- 2023 Campaign: $250,000 Goal.
- $355,213 Raised.
- Campaign Chairs: Tim & Wendy Koontz
- 2022 Campaign: $200,000 Goal.
- $321,068 Raised.
- Campaign Chairs: Todd & Michelle Moore
- 2021 Campaign: $200,000 Goal.
- $310,551 Raised.
- 2020 Campaign: $200,000 Goal.
- $170,500 Raised.
- 2019 Campaign: $200,000 Goal.
- $300,000 Raised.
- Campaign Chairs: John & Dale Stevenson
- 2018 Campaign: $150,000 Goal.
- $212,750 Raised.
- Campaign Chairs: Ned & Reaugh Broemmel