In an event held at the Rex den on Saturday, January 10, the Rex Organization and the Pro Bono Publico Foundation welcomed hundreds of Teach for America Corps Members and alums as well as others engaged in the transformation of New Orleans public schools. Foundation leaders awarded nearly $860,000 in grants, including $50,000 to support Teach for America’s important work.
Grants were awarded to 27 individual schools and charter management organizations and 21 supporting organizations. Taylor Park, the NORD facility adjacent to the Rex den, received its fourth sponsorship grant.
The grants help assure that all of New Orleans’ children have access to excellent schools. More than 90% of New Orleans students now attend public charter schools. These schools, and organizations supporting their important work, have been the focus of PBPF’s investment, as well as the commitment of dozens of Rex members serving on their boards.
The Pro Bono Publico Foundation was formed by members of the Rex Organization as New Orleans recovered from post-Hurricane Katrina floods. Foundation giving, in its eigth grant cycle since 2007, now totals more than $3.4 million.
The 2015 grant total marks the fourth consecutive year Pro Bono Publico Foundation’s grants have exceeded half a million dollars. In 2012 and 2013 the Pro Bono Publico Foundation, thanks to the support of its donors, was able to award grants of approximately $545,000 each year. That figure reached $740,000 in 2014.
The open house also highlights a winning combination for local schools in terms of support. Teach for America has been essential to the success of the charter school movement. TFA’s 340 corps members and 860 alums now reach one in five students in the New Orleans Delta Region.
Quick Facts:
- 2014-15 Grants total $860,000 and giving since 2007 totals more than $3.4 million
- 2014-15 grants awarded to 27 individual schools and charter management organizations and 21 supporting organizations
- Through a grant to the NORD Foundation, the PBPF continues to sponsor activities at Taylor Playground, adjacent to the Rex Den
- Through the generosity of the Harry Howard Foundation, the PBPF continues to develop a pilot program providing after-school academic and enrichment programs
For more information on the Pro Bono Publico Foundation please visit the PBPF website at www.probonopublicofoundation.org