Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation (TCSEF)

The Transylvania County Schools Educational Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that supports public education in Transylvania County, North Carolina. Its mission centers on enriching educational opportunities for students and advancing the goals of the Transylvania County School System.

History

Originally established in 1989, TCSEF became inactive after the 2001 financial crisis. The foundation was successfully reorganized in 2007 under the leadership of then-Superintendent Dr. Sonna Lyda. After two years of rebuilding efforts led by a dedicated group of board members, TCSEF resumed awarding grants to schools in January 2009. The foundation is governed by community members who meet monthly and run several key programs to support the school system, distributing over $10,000 annually to local education initiatives.

Keep an eye out for fundraisers and other events TCSEF puts on throughout the year!

Key Programs

Backpack Buddies addresses food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to students during school breaks. The program typically serves around 200 students but has seen increased demand following Hurricane Helene, with over 300 students requiring assistance for Thanksgiving 2024. TCSEF works alongside community partners including Sharing House, The Hunger Coalition, and Bread of Life to meet this growing need.

Kimsey-Tilson Teacher Supply Closet helps alleviate the financial burden on educators, who typically spend approximately $1,600 of their personal funds on classroom supplies annually. Teachers can request essential materials monthly, which are delivered directly to classrooms with assistance from the Retired Teachers Association.

Creative Classroom Grants fund innovative teaching projects that enhance student learning experiences. With support from the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club, the program awarded more than $15,000 in grants last year to teachers across every school in the district.