Funding educational grants in Port Washington schools since 2001

Our Mission: The Ed. Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 community-based organization. The purpose of the Foundation is to support initiatives that are beyond basic educational needs and to enhance and expand educational opportunities for all students in the Port Washington public school district. The Foundation actively seeks donations, grants and government funds in order to distribute funds to selected programs and resources.

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Enhancing Our Children’s Education

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The History of The Ed. Foundation

In 2001, community advocate Amy Bass assembled a group of volunteers to form an education foundation with the goal of making a difference in the experience of students in Port Washington. The following spring, the PWEF awarded its first grants, totaling $20,329, to fund 18 projects ranging from an oral history study at Schreiber to math literacy workshops at the elementary schools.

Since then, hundreds of grants have been awarded in every school, at every grade level, in every subject area, totaling well over 2.5 million dollars. While the Foundation has grown tremendously, the mission remains the same: supporting initiatives beyond basic educational needs and enhancing educational opportunities for all students in the Port Washington public school district.

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Board of Directors

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  • Lauren Edwards

    President

  • Mathieu Lanfant

    Executive Vice President

  • Robin McDermott

    Vice President Development

  • Sara Raber

    Vice President Marketing & Communications

  • Alexis Kopp-Smith

    Vice President Strategic Planning

  • Jamie Spielman

    Vice President Grants

  • Larry Feinblum

    Treasurer

  • Kim Nauer

    Secretary

  • Amy G. Bass

    President Emerita

  • Sue Hershkowitz

    Immediate Past President

Nikos Andreadis
Samantha Claster
Sara Edelson
Dardana Geller
Stephanie Greenberg
Elizabeth Holzman
Robert Kleinman
Renee Laffer
Jaimee Loewy
Jill Manczyk
Jennifer Schiffer
Laura Sweeney
Valerie Taylor
Kay Ullman
Tracy Widolok

Advisory Board

Owen Costello
Ilana Engel
Nicole Eskanazy
Ellen Fox
Doreen Gamell
Susan Graser
Bridgette Hirsch
William Keller
Amanda Khalil
Ruth Kleinman
Julie Kozinn
Rachael Liebman
Matt Melkonian
Ann Mergler
Christina Nadolne
Roy Nelson, MD
Drina Scheiber
Kay Shashoua

Jenna Sigman
Mara Silverstein
Meredith Steigman
Amanda Stone

Junior Board

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Junior Board 2025–2026

Click here to download the 2025-2026 Junior Board Application

  • Lucas Gordon and Max Pisnoy

    Co-Presidents

  • Noah Balinsky

    Executive Vice President

  • Addison Aarons and Ben Lane

    Vice Presidents, Marketing & Publicity

  • Chloe Eskanazy and Brad Grundfast

    Vice Presidents, Community Outreach

Testimonials

“The Ed. Foundation is a true community-based organization that we love to partner with.  I am so amazed by their generosity year in and year out.  Since 2002, they have celebrated the creativity of our staff through grants of all sizes.  Thank you for all that you do to enrich the lives of our students.  I can't wait to see what the future holds!”

Chris Shields, Ed.D.  Deputy Superintendent

"I am so appreciative of The Ed Foundation and their role in supplementing our Creative Arts programming here in Port Washington. From field trip assistance to guest artists to equipment, concerts, and more, the Ed Foundation does it all. Their generosity is equaled only by the professionalism and care with which they work as a partner with our school district. Our students’ lives are truly enriched by the Ed Foundation!"

Kevin Scully, Director of Creative Arts

“As an elementary school principal, I feel so supported by The Ed Foundation.  They support my students in the area of cultural heritage celebrations and experiences, enrichment opportunities and field trips.  I am so impressed by their dedication to making each and every student's experience in our district as positive and well rounded as possible!"

Dr. Kimberly Licato, Principal at Guggenheim School
"The Ed. Foundation is what gives our students the enriching experiences that they will remember long into their adult lives.  From Alvin Ailey, to Hip Hop, and so much more, our children learn and make memories all while having fun.  We wouldn't be able to have this impact on our children's educational experiences without The Ed Foundation."
 
Pia Linda Ferrante, Principal South Salem Elementary School

"The Ed Foundation has been an amazing partner in supporting Tech Education and STEM by facilitating the acquisition of hardware and software to provide opportunities for K-12 students!"

Ryan Meloni, Executive Director of Technology

 

 

Thanks to the Ed. Foundation's generosity, our students enjoy experiences beyond the regular school day. This year, they explored a hands-on STEAM Museum right in the Daly Gym—building towers, controlling robots, and creating 3D images, all during school! 

 Lucia Lagaurda, John J. Daly Elementary School Principal

Want to stay connected with The Ed. Foundation? We have several events throughout the school year to help you get involved.

Come celebrate at our 25th Anniversary Party!