The Anderson Valley Education Foundation began as a casual conversation between several residents of Anderson Valley who were concerned about the declining financial support for education. They determined that there was sufficient community interest in this issue that a locally based foundation might be able to enhance educational opportunities in the valley. Articles of Incorporation for the creation of the Anderson Valley Education Foundation as a California Public Benefit Corporation were filed on April 19, 1999. The Foundation was recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) with tax ID # 68-0436870 on February 16, 2000.

 

As stipulated in the Bylaws of the Anderson Valley Education Foundation:

"The primary objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be:

1. to expand the educational opportunities for the youth of the Anderson Valley.

2. to build upon community support to provide resources to individuals, groups, and organizations that offer enriching educational programs for young people.

3. to raise and allocate revenue to support educational programs and scholarships.

4. to receive, hold, and disperse gifts, bequests, grants and other funds for these purposes."

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A board of directors manage the Foundation according to the aforementioned Bylaws. Particular effort has been made to include on the board individuals who can share different perspectives on education in the valley. Typically, this has included parents, teachers, retired school administrators, and a student representative. The board serves without compensation and meets monthly.

Since its inception, the Foundation has developed and maintained a variety of effective programs: Grants, Internships, Fellowships, Junior High Summer, Scholarships and Second Chance Scholarships.