Who? Donor Information

We are grateful for the partnerships with the following foundations that have made Civitas Schools and the CICS Ralph Ellison Campus a reality and a continued success:

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Renaissance Schools Fund
Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust
The Walton Family Foundation

Why? The Charter Challenge

Charter schools are called to provide educational opportunities that fulfill needs unmet by local neighborhood schools. As a college preparatory school, CICS Ellison must offer an academic program superior to its public counterparts. Yet, for every public dollar that our local neighborhood high school counterparts receive, CICS Ellison receives 79 cents. Zero equals the amount we receive to manage our facility.

What? Your Dollars at Work

Financial support from families, foundations, and corporations help us bridge the funding disparities that exist for charter schools and to provide support for additional program initiatives.

A sampling of where your dollars go includes:

• attracting and maintaining a highly qualified faculty

• enhancing athletic programs

• keeping technology products current and effective for students and staff

• providing collateral materials for our unique, integrated curriculum

How? Getting Involved

To make a donation, or for more information on the fundraising initiatives at CICS Ralph Ellison Campus, please contact Sharma Shackleford, Manager of External Affairs, via email or by calling 312.850.4345. We also welcome the opportunity to give a tour of the school to individuals and groups who are interested in supporting our work.