Frequently asked questions about the foundation are below. Simply click on the question to reveal the answer.
The Madison Education Foundation (MEF) was established in 1993 to promote enhanced funding of educational programs and opportunities for students within Madison School District #321.
Governed by a volunteer board of directors comprised of business leaders and patrons, the Foundation directs literally every donation back to the students.
Through the years, the Madison Education Foundation has served as a vehicle for generating literally thousands of dollars for students of the district. It is exciting to witness the generosity of the community in contributing to the educational support of its children.
The Madison Education Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
The Foundation processes donations and provides a receipt for donors which can be used for tax purposes.
Another advantage of donating through the Madison Education Foundation is that 100% of the contributions go for the purpose designated by the donor. No administrative costs are taken from the donations.
The Donation Form needs to be filled out. All checks are to be written to the Madison Education Foundation and then mailed to:
Madison Education Foundation
P.O. Box 43
Rexburg, ID 83440
All patrons are encouraged to send their charitable donations to the schools through the Madison Education Foundation. The tax-deductible receipts are then prepared for each contribution.
In-kind donations can also be made to the Foundation.
Donations are always placed into the program, budgets or endowment fund as specified by the donor.
Donors can contribute to a specific school, school program, classroom, Madison School District #321, or Madison Education Foundation-sponsored funds or programs. Tax deductible receipts are prepared for each donation.
All donations to the Madison Education Foundation are tax deductible. The Foundation has qualified with the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization. One hundred percent of the donations go for the purpose designated by the donor. In 2010 the State Legislature passed new rules about charitable donations to certain organizations. These tax incentives make donating a win-win for all involved.
In-kind donations are items other than cash, check or money orders. Some examples are supplies that could be used in schools, such as paper, crayons and art items.
Computers (almost new), office and shop equipment, and musical instruments are some other things which are useful to a school.
A donor can make a major difference in the lives of children for years to come with a bequest through a will or an exempt trust. The tax advantage can be very beneficial.
The Madison Education Foundation will arrange for some free legal consultation to the donor if the Foundation is named as a beneficiary in a will or trust.
Call Brad Smith at (208) 356-8500 for information.
A growing percentage of the staff of Madison School District donates to the Madison Education Foundation. Most of them do this through the Payroll Deduction Program. Teachers and staff "go the extra mile” when they contribute part of their salary for the benefit of the students.
The Foundation solicits community support for special programs such as the Excellence in Education Awards, our Grant Cycle and our Annual Golf Tournament. In some cases, business/education partnerships are formed to enhance the educational opportunity for the students of Madison School Districts #321. Healthy and dynamic partnerships provide a business with a way to “give something back” to the citizens and their cities.
Business leaders interested in getting involved with a school or the Madison Education Foundation through a partnership should call the Foundation Secretary, Kathie McGarry, at (208) 359-3305 for further information.
Exciting and productive relationships can be explored which will benefit businesses and the students in the schools.
The following programs are sponsored which fulfill the mission and selected objectives:
The Madison Education Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors made of successful volunteer citizens of the community.
