November 19, 2007

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation awarded more than $54,000 to Mosier Community School, to be paid over three years, for development and implementation of a strategic fund-raising plan that would help secure Mosier School’s financial stability over the short and long term.

The Miller Foundation is an independent private foundation devoted to enhancing the quality of life of Oregonians through support of the Arts and Education. The grant will support two part-time income development planners/grant writers and one part-time administrative assistant.

This fall the positions were advertised, candidates interviewed, and the positions were filled. The school has announced that Katie Skakel, Mosier resident, land-use planner and grant writer, will be working with Laurie Stephens, MCS treasurer, to fill the development planner/grant writer positions and Heli Miettinen, MCS parent and all-star school volunteer, will provide administrative assistance for the team.

The first steps will involve a series of MCS Board work sessions to identify short- and long-term goals for the school’s educational programs and facilities, then Skakel and Stephens can begin identifying appropriate funding strategies which would expand on current practices and would likely include cost-saving measures, grants, annual giving, endowments, fund-raising events and business partnerships.

“What a wonderful opportunity for Mosier to receive this grant from the Miller Foundation,” said Principal Carole Schmidt. “It will help us replace the 20 percent less funds we receive from the state, and start us on the next step forward to raising money for the school’s education foundation.