Role of Lakehead Public Schools Foundation in the funding ecosystem
Lakehead Public Schools Foundation is a student-centred charitable foundation established in 2003 to enhance learning opportunities for all students in the Lakehead Public Schools system in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Operating at arm’s length as an independent foundation, it raises private and community funds through individual donations, memorial gifts such as Celebrations of Life, and annual fundraising events including a golf tournament. These resources are then redistributed as scholarships, awards and direct financial assistance that reduce economic barriers to education.
Main funding streams and programs
The foundation manages several recurring funding streams. The Grade 8 Award of Excellence, inspired by educator Walter Poshtar, honours students who combine high academic achievement with leadership and strong citizenship aligned with Lakehead Public Schools values of inclusion, respect, integrity, empathy and responsibility. The foundation also supports a portfolio of secondary school scholarships for graduating students from each secondary campus, recognizing those who have overcome significant challenges, shown strong work ethic and are pursuing post-secondary pathways in college, university or trades training. These scholarships include a long-standing structure of two $1,000 awards per secondary school or site.
In addition, the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides annual allocations directly to schools across the district. Each elementary school receives a fixed amount and each secondary school a larger allocation, totalling $17,500 per year. Schools use these funds to help students cover essential costs such as field trip fees, uniforms, team fees, nutrition, eye and ear care, clothing and emergency shelter, ensuring that financial hardship does not prevent participation in educational opportunities.
Beneficiaries, selection and impact
Funding primarily targets students enrolled in Lakehead Public Schools, from elementary pupils who benefit from the Student Assistance Fund to Grade 8 award recipients and graduating secondary students. Scholarship recipients are selected internally by school principals in collaboration with staff, emphasizing holistic knowledge of students’ circumstances rather than formal applications. Through these awards and assistance funds, the foundation supports equitable access to learning, celebrates student achievement and resilience, and strengthens the connection between schools, families and the community.
Governance and community engagement
The foundation is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors, including roles such as president, chair, vice-chair, secretary/treasurer and directors, and is supported administratively by an executive secretary. Community members can become members of the foundation and participate in governance through a membership application process. Donors and partners are invited to contribute via online giving platforms and by participating in fundraising events. Testimonials and recognition materials help demonstrate the impact of the foundation’s grants and encourage continued community involvement.