Ligon Outdoor Center: Genesee Co. Educational Foundation

Genesee County Educational Foundation (GCEF)

A charitable organization affiliated with the Genesee Intermediate School District

The Genesee County Educational Foundation (GCEF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1985 by the Genesee Intermediate School District and governed by a volunteer board of directors.

Board members are community leaders who have an active interest in the educational advancement of students, employees and citizens of Genesee County.

Foundation funds are obtained from individuals and corporate tax deductible contributions, as well as from other foundations. Special grants from governmental agencies support some programs.

GCEF's Mission

To serve as a catalyst in accessing public and private financial resources to support outdoor environmental education, recognition programs for student scholarship/citizenship, as well as continuing educational opportunities for Genesee Intermediate School District staff--all of which contribute to the educational excellence and quality of life for the residents of Genesee County.

GCEF's Objectives

Promote outdoor environmental education.
Encourage quality education through outdoor experiences as a process for fulfillment of educational goals and objectives.
Foster the development of attitudes, values and behavior that reflects understanding of an interdependence with the natural world.
Promote understanding and protection of natural resources of Michigan through conservation and environmental education.
Instill a sense of stewardship toward nature and natural resources.

Who decides how monies should be spent?

All donations to the Genesee County Educational Foundation are spent with the approval of its board of directors. The use of the funds must be consistent with the educational goals and priorities of the Genesee Intermediate Board of Education.

The Foundation Board encourages program suggestions and recommendations from Genesee Intermediate School District staff and parents of students as well as the community at large.

What can I do to support the Genesee County Educational Foundation?

Tax deductible contributions can be made to the Foundation in several ways:

Make a gift of cash, check, securities or personal property in any amount.
Designate gifts as a memorial to loved ones, living or deceased.
Volunteer time to assist with Foundation projects.

What activities are being considered?

The Foundation Board has determined that funds will be expended to:

Make outdoor environmental education available to all students in Genesee County.
Support student academic achievement and leadership opportunities.
Expand student recognition awards for attendance and meritorious service.
Promote activities to improve student self-image and positive role models.
Provide venture capital funding for innovative instructional programs and activities.
Fund staff development and leadership programs.
Fund projects to match human resources with school needs.
Encourage school-community cooperative projects.

Particular emphasis is directed to the development, staffing, operation and maintenance of Ligon Outdoor Center. The 268 acres located in the northeastern part of Genesee County is a nature center which serves both the educational and (passive) recreational needs of an ever-changing general public.

Tax deductible contributions to the GCEF may be general in nature or can be given to support a particular project.

For more information, call the GCEF at (810) 591-4541, or write to Director Larry Casler, at lcasler@geneseeisd.org.