WHO WE ARE
ĢƵ Foundation
The ĢƵ Foundation is a hub of engaged, enthusiastic philanthropists and advocates who help propel ĢƵ into the top echelons of public school systems and ĢƵ scholars to college completion. We bring together diverse leaders and communities to transform the public education landscape in Los Angeles to one that puts equity, justice, and achievement at its center.
Our mission is to raise resources and visibility for the ĢƵ network of schools, advocate for policies that improve quality public education for historically underserved youth, and build partnerships to strengthen ĢƵ schools and the communities that ĢƵ serves. We believe in the unlimited potential of our scholars and work to shine a bright light on what is possible for all public schools.
About ĢƵ College-Ready Public Schools
ĢƵ College-Ready Public Schools is one of the nation’s largest and most successful public charter school networks, serving more than 12,000 scholars across 25 middle and high schools in Los Angeles’ most diverse and historically underserved neighborhoods. From piloting breakthrough learning models to building a pipeline of highly qualified educators, ĢƵ creates the conditions for brilliance to thrive.
Today, every ĢƵ high school is ranked among the nation’s best, with 96% of scholars accepted to college and 85% admitted to four-year colleges and universities.
Strategic Priorities
We focus our investments and partnerships where they fuel the greatest impact for scholars:
Grantmaking to ĢƵ Schools Network
Expanding high-quality instruction, joyful learning environments, and innovation in every neighborhood we serve.
We invest directly in ĢƵ schools to strengthen instruction, expand scholar supports, and fuel innovation where it’s needed most. Our grantmaking prioritizes equity, sustainability, and school-driven solutions that help educators meet the needs of scholars and communities in real time.
Mentorship & Career Readiness
Unlocking access to networks, experiences, and career opportunities for ĢƵ scholars.
Through mentorship, career exploration, and real-world learning experiences, we connect scholars to the networks and opportunities that help them envision and pursue meaningful futures. These partnerships bridge education and industry, preparing scholars to thrive in college and beyond.
Thought Leadership & Visibility
Amplifying excellence and ideas that inspire what’s possible across public education.
We elevate what’s working across ĢƵ schools by sharing insights, research, and stories that challenge assumptions and spark innovation. By lifting up educator expertise and scholar outcomes, we help shape conversations about what’s possible in public education.
Advocacy to Advance High-Quality Education for All
Championing the practices and policies that enable great public schools and educators to lead and innovate.
We partner with educators, families, and civic leaders to advocate for policies and practices that strengthen public education. Our advocacy centers on the voices of those closest to the work, advancing systems that allow schools and educators to lead, innovate, and succeed.
Partnerships
Partnerships that move brilliance forward.
Our Partners
Join Us
Board of Trustees
The civic leaders who advise, steward, and champion.
Leadership & Staff
Meet the team behind the mission.
Read our 2025
Annual Report
Financials
2024-2025ĢƵ Foundation
Annual Reports
Audited Financials
990s
FAQ
What kind of schools are in the ĢƵ network?
ĢƵ College-Ready Public Schools are free, public charter schools. In California, charter schools are not-for-profit public schools, which means they’re open and free to all students. ĢƵ operates 25 middle and high schools, serving 12,000 scholars in Los Angeles’ most underserved communities. ĢƵ schools are college-ready schools, with 97% of our graduates accepted to college.
What is a charter school?
Charter schools are independent public schools opened by educators, parents, or civic leaders to provide an alternative to traditional public schools. Charters are tuition-free, public schools that have been granted autonomy from the governing school district. In exchange for that autonomy, charter schools are held accountable by their authorizing school districts to perform at levels higher than neighboring schools. Charter schools are reviewed every five years by their authorizing districts to evaluate their effectiveness and determine if their charter should be renewed.
What is a “Charter ”?
The “charter” is a contract that details the school’s mission, program, performance goals, and methods of assessment. Every public charter school has an authorizer which, subject to state law, may be an elected district school board, university, mayor’s office, or a nonprofit. In California, public school districts are the authorizing body. Authorizers are responsible for holding charter schools accountable for compliance with their operating agreements or “charters.”
How are charter schools funded?
Charter schools are public schools and receive state and federal funding based on the number of students enrolled, just like traditional public schools.
Are charter schools public schools?
Yes, charter schools are free public schools. They are open to all scholars who want to enroll. ĢƵ College-Ready Public Schools does not discriminate against any scholar on the basis of disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 422.55 of the Penal Code.
Why do public schools need private donations?
California consistently ranks low in funding for TK-12 education among the 50 states. Private philanthropy provides supplemental funding to support networkwide initiatives and innovative programming, school facilities, and college scholarships for graduating ĢƵ seniors.
What is the ĢƵ (ĢƵ Foundation)?
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists solely to raise resources and build awareness for ĢƵ College-Ready Public Schools. The Foundation is a separate organization from the ĢƵ Network, with our own Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and staff. Since 2020, the Foundation has made $31,288,870 in grants to the ĢƵ network of schools with funds raised through foundation grants, individual supporters, special events, and other earned income. ĢƵ Foundations supporters also support our scholars and school communities through volunteering and mentorship programming.
The ĢƵ Foundation also raises awareness among civic leaders, policymakers, and elected officials about the issues important to our schools and scholars. We advocate for policies that support high-functioning public schools and improve the conditions in the communities that the ĢƵ serves.
Who decides how donations are spent?
The ĢƵ College-Ready Schools CEO and ĢƵ College-Ready Foundation Executive Director make recommendations to the ĢƵ Foundation Board who decides grantmaking priorities of the foundation.
How is the work of the ĢƵ Foundation overseen?
The ĢƵ Foundation is a non-profit organization led by an Executive Director and a Board of Directors made up of dedicated volunteers from our community with professional expertise in fundraising, finance, development, business, and marketing. You can learn more about board and staff members here. Additionally, the ĢƵ Foundation’s financial statements are audited annually by an independent third-party auditing firm. ĢƵ Foundation audits can be found here.