August 2026 Update: A New School Year Begins
Student participating in an outdoor jump-rope activity supported by Oly Ed Foundation.
From the Executive Director
August has been a busy month at Oly Ed Foundation as we prepare for a new school year—and there is a lot to be excited about!
We are wrapping up our first round of 2026–27 grants, preparing for the September Golf Scramble, getting books into classrooms and libraries, and working with Olympia School District staff to strengthen the ways we support students throughout the district.
We're also looking for people who want to get involved. Oly Ed Foundation has opportunities for volunteers to help coordinate programs and events, as well as openings for new board members who can help us strengthen connections throughout the district and community.
Whether you have a few hours to volunteer, want to serve on the board, attend an event or make a gift, we'd love to have you be part of the work ahead.
Kelly Hart
Executive Director
$46,000+ Awarded to Support OSD Students!
What an incredible start to the school year! Oly Ed Foundation received 52 applications in the first round of 2026–27 grantmaking and approved 43 awards totaling $46,429.
$46,429
Invested
43
Grants Awarded
6,800+
Student Opportunities
52
Applications
Opportunity Grants: Big Ideas Throughout the District
This round, Oly Ed Foundation awarded 37 Opportunity Grants totaling $43,429.
The projects illustrate just how creative OSD educators are when given resources to turn ideas into opportunities for students. Funding will support reading and literacy, theater and music, STEM, woodworking, family engagement, classroom inclusion, college and career preparation, student belonging, physical education and much more.
Opportunity Grants of up to $2,000 help OSD educators and staff bring projects, experiences and resources to students that might otherwise be out of reach.
Round 2 Coming Soon!
Have an idea for your students that didn't make it into the first round? Another opportunity is coming!
Oly Ed Foundation will soon open Round 2 of 2026–27 grant applications. We're also making the application simpler this year—easier for OSD educators and staff to complete, easier for our volunteer jurors to review, and easier for us to track and share the impact of funded projects.
Watch for application details and deadlines coming soon!
The Battle of Books!
Despite the name, BOB isn't a competition. The real “battle” is getting great books into classrooms, libraries and the hands of young readers throughout the Olympia School District.
This grant round, Oly Ed Foundation funded all six Books/BOB requests, investing $3,000 in locally purchased books for OSD classrooms and libraries.
In partnership with Browsers Books, BOB grants provide up to $500 for books, helping educators expand classroom libraries, increase access to high-interest reading and provide students with books that reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
That's a battle we're happy to keep fighting!
Supporting Students When They Need It Most
Oly Ed Foundation's Principal's Emergency Fund (PEF) helps OSD schools respond quickly when students and families face barriers that can interfere with learning.
During the 2025–26 school year, PEF provided more than $61,900 in documented student and family assistance, helping address needs including housing, food, clothing, transportation and other essentials.
Support is administered through OSD schools and staff, putting resources in the hands of the people who work directly with students and understand their circumstances.
Need assistance? Please connect with your student's school. Schools work directly with families to identify needs and access available support.
Golf Scramble: SOLD OUT — September 18
It's almost time to tee off! We are thrilled that the Scramble is already sold out!
The annual Oly Ed Foundation Golf Scramble is September 18, bringing together community members and supporters for a fun day on the course while raising money to support Olympia School District students.
A huge THANK YOU to the businesses and community partners sponsoring this year's event. Your support helps make Oly Ed Foundation's work possible.
Save the Date — Rise & Shine!
Mark your calendar now for the annual Oly Ed Foundation Rise & Shine Breakfast:
Friday, March 5, 2027
More details will be coming, but we hope you'll plan to join us for one of our favorite opportunities to celebrate OSD students, educators and the impact our community can make together.
From Our Board President
Join Us in Supporting Olympia Students
Oly Ed Foundation is seeking new members for our Board of Trustees.
Oly Ed Foundation is looking for additional Board of Trustee members as we kick off the start of a new school year! We invite you to join us in this important work as we continue implementing the strategic plan and expanding its impact throughout our community.
The Board is committed to including diverse voices and perspectives as we work together to support students, families and schools. There is no “required experience” beyond wanting to make an impact.
Board service is a meaningful opportunity to:
Support students and educators in Olympia schools
Help shape the Foundation's future direction and community impact
Connect with civic and community leaders who care deeply about education
Contribute your unique skills, ideas and lived experience
Board membership is a great way to actively support education in our community—students, staff and schools need us more now than ever! We'd love for you to join us in our commitment to Olympia and student belonging.
Annie Pocklington
President, Oly Ed Foundation Board of Trustees
Get Involved
Board service isn't the only way to help! Oly Ed Foundation is also looking for volunteers interested in helping with programs, events and committees, as well as businesses and community partners interested in supporting OSD students.
You don't have to make a huge time commitment to make a difference.
Interested? We'd love to hear from you!
Thank You!
Every grant awarded, book purchased, emergency need met and student opportunity created is possible because people in our community believe in Olympia's students.
Thank you for being part of Oly Ed Foundation.
Cultivating student potential.
Students belong. Everyone learns. Communities grow.