Support every learner’s unique journey!
Learners of all ages get the most out of their education when they have the supplies they need to do their best work, whether it’s a backpack or internet access. Tools for School’s back-to-school fundraising campaign, July 1-September 30, empowers the 300 families with 600 children participating in Simpson’s Family and Youth Housing programs to obtain the unique learning tools they might need for academic success.
In addition, Tools for School will fund resources for continuing education and skill building, such as financial literacy courses. By sharing knowledge with one another and with the next generation, participants can build strong, resilient community networks and continue to advocate for themselves and their families.
Last year, we exceeded our fundraising goal for the back-to-school campaign and raised $25,000. We would love to raise this amount again. In addition, up to $25,000, your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, effectively doubling your impact.
You can donate online with the form below, or mail your check to Simpson’s administrative office:
Simpson Housing Services
Attention: Elisabeth Loeffler, Director of Advancement and Communications
160 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis, MN, 55405
YOUR GIFT Will Support the following Resources:
- School supplies like backpacks, notebooks, folders, crayons, pens, pencils, and more.
- Technology like calculators, tablets, headphones, chargers, or internet access.
- Culturally specific learning opportunities for children. The majority of our program participants identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and we are building on our work to effectively serve participants with culturally responsive delivery models, including reading curriculum for children and parent leadership skills.
About Tools for School
Tools for School began as a supply donation drive, which would equip students with backpacks packed with supplies by volunteers.
In 2020, the pandemic fundamentally changed what school attendance – and learning tools – looked like for every household. Furthermore, participating families gave us some frank feedback. Distributing pre-packed backpacks was effectively taking away an essential part of the back-to-school experience: going shopping and deciding, together, what each learner needs. It’s an important time to bond, make decisions as a family, and show support for education.
From that point on, Tools for School became a vital fundraiser rather than a supply drive, and purchasing decisions were left to the people who know best: the learners and their families. We’ve been thrilled to see just how many community members were happy to make the change and support this new model, and we invite you to join us.
Thank you!