Wilbraham Hampden Academic Trust, Inc. Incorporates As a Massachusetts Not for Profit Company

New corporation to award grants that support educational enrichment programs in the Hampden Wilbraham Regional School District

Wilbraham and Hampden, MA—Several concerned citizens of Hampden and Wilbraham have come together to form a new non-profit organization that will allow funding of innovative and enriching programs in the regional public school system that serves the two communities. Referred to by the acronym W.H.A.T., the new corporation is financially and administratively separate from the regional school district.

“All of us are very excited to be part of this important initiative” said Robert Lounsbury, M.D., President of the new corporation. “It’s no secret that the schools are in a very difficult position financially at this time. W.H.A.T. will be able to provide funds for important educational enrichment and innovative programs within the schools without being tied to the tax-supported budget. The quality of a community’s educational system is its most important asset and the thing that draws people to live there. This new organization is dedicated to helping maintain the quality of our schools. What is more important?”

Similar educational foundations have been formed in multiple communities across the country, the state, and in the Pioneer Valley over the past several years. The purpose of such organizations is to raise and distribute funds for the benefit of the schools, but not to supplant or even modify in any way the necessary funding that must come from normal budgetary channels. Typically an educational foundation will save a portion of the donations received in order to develop an enlarging endowment from which to fund future endeavors. Initially W,H.A.T. expects to distribute a large proportion of the donations it receives according to Susan Alston, VP of Fund Raising.

The foundation will provide funding for projects based on their merit. “Our corporation will accept grant applications from teachers and other professionals in the schools. After consideration by the Allocations Committee, the Board of Directors will award grants to the most promising programs and activities,” said Lynne Quintin, Ed.D, VP of Allocations. “We hope to make our first awards in December 2003 to fund projects in the second semester.”

The Board of Directors of W.H.A.T. will make a presentation to the School Committee of the Hampden Wilbraham Regional School District at the committee’s regularly scheduled meeting on the evening of Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at Minnechaug Regional High School.

Dr. Paul Gagliarducci, Superintendent of Schools, says he and the rest of the district administration are particularly gratified by the new project. “We appreciate the fact that this group of people saw the need to begin the foundation and we have high expectations for its success. Ultimately the winners in this process will be the children in both of these communities."

Those interested in making a tax deductible donation to W.H.A.T. may mail it to P.O. Box 477, Wilbraham, MA 01095-0477 or contact Susan Alston at 596-2698.