Raikes Foundation

Today’s executive order to dismantle the Department of Education is a direct attack on millions of students who rely on its protections, funding, and programs to build their futures. Here’s what’s at stake: ?? 26 million students from low-income backgrounds losing critical funding through Title I ? 7.4 million students with disabilities losing specialized instruction and services ?? 87 million students and parents losing access to college and career school aid The Department of Education enforces civil rights protections for students, funds schools in the greatest need, and works to give every child—regardless of race, income, or ability—a fair shot at success. Eliminating it doesn’t return control to states or parents—it abandons millions of students when they need us most. We all want strong public schools, well-paid teachers, and resources that help students thrive. This is a moment for bold action. We must stand up, speak out, and demand an education system that expands opportunity for all—not just some. ?? How are you standing up for public schools in your community? #EducationMatters #PublicSchools #StandUpForStudents

In a recent article from Inside Philanthropy, our Senior Director, Dr. Zoe Stemm-Calderon, emphasizes the critical role of public education in America. She highlights, "This is a huge part of the fabric of American life... not just a line item in the budget; it's the foundation of opportunity for millions of students." Public schools are the cornerstone of a strong democracy. As they face significant challenges, including federal staffing and program cuts, philanthropy can play a crucial role by: ?? Supporting organizations working to preserve and improve public education ?? Investing in research and data-driven solutions on effective educational practices ?? Using our voices to advocate for strong public schools Read the full article to learn more about how philanthropy can help protect students and schools. #EducationForAll #PhilanthropyInAction https://lnkd.in/ecMKDmFk

The actions to take public schools out of public hands and dismantle the Department of Education is a direct threat to the future we all share. Now, more than ever, we must stand united in support of public education. We call on policymakers, educators, parents, and community leaders to join us in opposing these harmful cuts and reaffirming our collective commitment to public education for all. Read our full statement below. https://lnkd.in/dg3u3YiM

We've been listening closely to our grantees and partners and have heard echoes of what the Center for Effective Philanthropy found in their survey of over 500 non-profit leaders last month: ?? 70% say the current political climate is negatively affecting their organizations. ?? Nonprofit leaders are seeking communication from foundation funders about the implications of the political climate ?? Non-profits are worried about the future of funding and seeking more generous, unrestricted funding to get them through uncertainty A quote that stood out to us in the report: "The most helpful funders are not just grantmakers — they are partners in social change, willing to stand with organizations like ours as we work to build resilient, engaged, and equitable communities in the face of political uncertainty." We want to hear more from you. Fellow foundations and funders, how are you communicating with your grantees during this time? Nonprofit leaders, in addition to funding continuity, what information would be most helpful at this moment? Read the report: https://lnkd.in/g-ijdwgf

The National Prevention Learning Collaborative is uplifting efforts around the country that are helping to actually prevent youth homelessness. Excited to learn from Colorado’s efforts to assess the prevalence of youth homelessness and share data between agencies.

On March 7, 1965, a young John Lewis, along with hundreds of Americans, peacefully marched to the state capitol in Montgomery, Alabama, to honor their fellow civil rights leaders who lost their lives and demand the right to vote—a fundamental freedom in any democracy. Their courage was met with violence at the hands of state troopers on what we now know as Bloody Sunday. The promise of America—equality, freedom, and justice—is an ongoing responsibility for all to fulfill. Those who are harmed the most by the failures of the past must have a say in how our public systems and institutions shape their lives today. The fight for voting rights, affordable housing, education, and our democracy is not just history—it’s our present and future. We all win when every voice matters, every vote counts, and every person has the opportunity to thrive. We’re proud to support organizations working to strengthen democracy across the country. #BloodySunday #Democracy #VotingRights

Public education is the foundation for equal opportunity in America. Roughly 90% of the 55 million school-aged children in the U.S. attend public schools. The Department of Education funds programs that students with learning differences, rural students, college students from low-income families, and more need to stay and succeed in school. We cannot strengthen our public schools by depriving them of resources and creating chaos. The Raikes Foundation stands with the majority of Americans who oppose dismantling of the Department of Education. The success of America’s students depends on everyone doing their part. We must remain united for our public schools.

Generations of women have taught, led and inspired others to dream bigger and further. They've known that a better future starts with ensuring that all young people have access to the education and support they need to lead a full life. This Women's History Month, we honor the women who broke barriers in the past by investing in the next generation of changemakers who carry their legacy forward. ?? What women have inspired you at school or in life? Let’s celebrate them in the comments. ?? #WomensHistoryMonth #MovingForwardTogether #EducationForAll #RaikesFoundation

The Department of Education does a LOT for students across the country. If you're looking for a comprehensive overview, Brookings recently released an article that covers the history of the Department, programs it administers, funds it monitors, rights it protects, and research it invests in. Become a quick expert by reading through and sharing with others! https://bit.ly/4hUsKpz

The strength of our education system—and our ability to prepare young people for the future—depends on research that helps us understand what works in classrooms. Recent cuts to education research funding put that progress at risk. What’s at stake? ?? Critical research on math, literacy, and student mental health disrupted ?? Researchers forced to pause or abandon ongoing studies ?? Long-term risks to U.S. student achievement, economic competitiveness, and evidence-based policymaking This isn’t just about budgets. This is about ensuring every student has access to the best possible education. Strong research informs everything from how we teach reading to how we support student well-being. It tells us which gaps we need to close to better prepare students for the future. We must move forward with facts, not ideology. Our students—and our future—depend on it. https://bit.ly/41DGpL5 #EducationResearch #StudentSuccess #EvidenceBasedPolicy #EducationMatters