“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” – Warren Buffett
At SEED, we believe in building strong roots for lasting growth. The power of an endowment lies in its ability to give year after year, creating stability for our schools and honoring excellence over time.
When Shorewood community members give to SEED’s Educate Forward Endowment Fund, they’re not just supporting today’s classrooms—they’re creating a lasting foundation that will sustain excellence in education for decades to come.
A Proven Legacy: The Excellence in Teaching Endowment
To see what that looks like in action, look no further than the Excellence in Teaching Endowment Fund.
In 2015, a remarkable $900,000 gift was made to the Shorewood School District to establish an endowment dedicated to honoring and supporting outstanding educators. SEED was entrusted to manage this fund, ensuring that it would grow and continue to benefit Shorewood teachers year after year.
Ten years later, the results speak for themselves. The fund has grown to $1.3 million, and has provided more than $430,000 in awards to 88 teachers since its creation.
Each spring, the Excellence in Teaching Awards celebrate educators who go above and beyond in their classrooms. In 2022, every teacher and aide in the district received a cash gift and thank-you note—a heartfelt gesture totaling more than $40,000—made possible by the endowment’s success.
It’s a perfect example of the endowment model at work: a one-time gift that continues to give, year after year, recognizing and rewarding those who make Shorewood schools exceptional.
That’s the power—and the promise—of SEED’s Fund the Future campaign.
Fund the Future: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
Now, in 2025, SEED has an extraordinary opportunity to build on that legacy.
Through the Fund the Future Match, a generous community member has pledged to match every dollar donated—up to $1 million—to grow the Educate Forward Endowment Fund.
If we meet this challenge, SEED’s endowment will grow from $1 million to $3 million, generating $150,000 or more each year to support Shorewood schools—forever.
Your donation today will have double the impact, funding both immediate district needs and future generations of students.
Your support will help provide for years to come:
- Continued academic excellence
- Support for teachers
- Technology upgrades
- Visual and performing arts
- Equitable opportunities
- Enrichment programs that make Shorewood schools special and unique
Why Shorewood Needs an Endowment
Public education funding continues to fall short of the real costs of running high-quality schools.
Over the past 20 years, state funding per Shorewood student has declined 20% after inflation. In 2002, Wisconsin ranked 11th nationally in inflation-adjusted per-pupil funding and by 2023, we have dropped to the 26th.
Furthermore, Wisconsin still reimburses less than 30% of special education costs. Annually the district pays for the special education shortfall of more than $3 million, diverting funds that could otherwise support general education.
An endowment helps bridge these funding gaps—protecting Shorewood’s commitment to excellence even when state and federal funding doesn’t keep pace.
How the Endowment Works
The Educate Forward Endowment is invested in conservative, long-term funds. The principal stays intact, while a portion of the interest earned is distributed each year to support key district priorities.
That means your donation doesn’t just make a difference once—it keeps making a difference, year after year, generation after generation.
Join Us: Help Fund the Future
Your Annual Fund donation this year will be matched dollar for dollar through the Fund the Future campaign.
This is more than a match—it’s a chance to do twice the good:
- Fund this year’s district initiatives. Your donation will expand and strengthen science and STEM opportunities for students at every level.
- Grow the Educate Forward Endowment. Your contribution is doubled and invested, creating a lasting source of funding for future generations.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving—and the moment to make your impact is now.
Help us meet the $1 million Fund the Future match and grow our endowment to $3 million.
To discuss giving options, including stock donations, multi-year pledges, IRA charitable gifts, or legacy giving, contact Melissa Nelsen or Sarah Hammond at shorewoodseed@gmail.com.