The nonprofit that raises private money for Lewisville ISD schools should start its first-ever endowment campaign, with a $2 million working goal over 40 months, according to a consultant's report on the agenda for the school board's Nov. 2 work session.
The report, prepared for the district and the Lewisville Education Foundation by Academic Advancement Partners and dated September 2026, is listed as a discussion item under the superintendent's report. Trustees meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. No vote on the campaign is scheduled.
A steady total, fewer donors
The foundation has raised close to $1 million a year in cash gifts, according to the report: about $1.05 million in fiscal 2021, a high of about $1.06 million in fiscal 2024 and $896,873 in fiscal 2025, the lowest of the five years shown.
The number of gifts has dropped faster. The foundation recorded 2,655 gifts in fiscal 2023 and 1,857 in fiscal 2025. Gifts under $1,000, which make up most of its support, are down 24% from 2021 and 32% from their 2023 peak, the consultants found.
Close to 99% of the gifts in the five years were under $10,000, which the report calls a sign that major donors have not been cultivated.
The foundation's endowed funds are in better shape. They have grown from 172 to 220 over five years, and the report places the endowment's value at about $6 million, ahead of the foundations serving Frisco, Prosper, Plano, Allen and Richardson based on their 2025 tax filings. The foundation also awards scholarships to nearly 500 graduating seniors a year.
What the consultants propose
- Timeline: count gifts from Sept. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2029, with at least 10 lead gifts secured by the end of this year. Small private gatherings would follow during fall 2027 and spring 2028, ahead of a public launch. The $2 million figure could rise before then if pledges run ahead.
- Named funds: donors giving at least $10,000, payable over up to five years, could create "IMPACT Funds" for districtwide needs such as special education, for a single school or program, or for a team or club. The campaign theme would be "Imagine Your Impact," echoing the district's Imagine 2030 strategic plan.
- Scholarships: starting Jan. 1, 2027, a new endowed scholarship would need at least $25,000, enough to pay about $800 to $1,000 a year, to move away from the many $500 awards. Existing funds would be grandfathered.
- Volunteers: an executive council including Superintendent Lori Rapp and foundation Executive Director Bill Lee, plus a leadership council of 8 to 15 people for each of the district's five high school feeder patterns, chaired by the high school principal.
- Staff: a director of advancement first, followed by alumni, communications and donor relations positions as the campaign moves toward its public phase.
The report also urges more organized alumni outreach at the high schools, including help for 10th, 25th and 50th reunion classes.
The same Nov. 2 session includes a public hearing on the district's turnaround and targeted improvement plans and a vote on a parking license at 601 E. Purnell Road in Lewisville.
Sources
meetings.boardbook.org
meetings.boardbook.org
