Onalaska Education Foundation
The Onalaska Education Foundation (OEF) is a local, non-profit organization that was established in 1998 to strengthen community participation in Onalaska, WI public and private schools, including Eagle Bluff Elementary, Irving Pertzsch Elementary, Northern Hills Elementary, Onalaska Middle School, Onalaska High School, St. Paul’s Lutheran School, St. Patrick Elementary School, and Luther High School. The OEF’s mission is to support Onalaska educators in their quest to develop innovative and creative learning opportunities for students, promote the incorporation of emerging technologies within the curriculum, facilitate business and private sector contributions to our schools, provide support for students in need, and encourage outstanding academic achievement among all Onalaska students.
Donate here to any fund at Onalaska Education Foundation through our safe, secure online donation portal.
Onalaska Education Foundation General Fund
Donations to the Onalaska Education Foundation (OEF) General Fund provide operational support and funding for the OEF’s Claude Deck Grants, Acts of Kindness, and Seasons of Kindness programs.
Claude Deck Grants Fund
The Onalaska Education Foundation’s (OEF) Claude Deck Grants Fund provides competitive grant funding to Onalaska educators for innovative and creative projects and programs that inspire their students to achieve educational excellence. These amazing programs would not be possible without financial support from the OEF. More than $21,000 in Claude Deck grant funding was awarded to 23 teachers at six different Onalaska schools in 2024.
Acts of Kindness and Seasons of Kindness Fund
The OEF’s Acts of Kindness (AOK) program ensures that students in need in Onalaska schools have access to essential items such as clothing, tennis shoes, winter boots and coats, glasses, bicycle helmets, and toiletries. The AOK program also provides financial assistance for sports physicals, eye exams, instrument rental fees, haircuts, bus passes, driver’s education classes, and much more.
An extension of the AOK program, the OEF’s Seasons of Kindness (SOK) program enables school counselors in each Onalaska school to work with educators and other school staff to identify and support students and families in need during the holiday season. The SOK program serves an average of 50 families each year. In 2023, SOK funds were used to purchase holiday gifts for 81 children from 37 families.
Acts of Kindness Program
The OEF’s Acts of Kindness (AOK) program ensures that students in need in Onalaska schools have access to essential items such as clothing, tennis shoes, winter boots and coats, glasses, bicycle helmets, and toiletries. The AOK program also provides financial assistance for sports physicals, eye exams, instrument rental fees, haircuts, bus passes, driver’s education classes, and much more.
Seasons of Kindness Program
An extension of the AOK program, the OEF’s Seasons of Kindness (SOK) program enables school counselors in Onalaska schools to work with educators and other school staff to identify and support students and families in need during the holiday season. The SOK program serves an average of 50 families each year. In 2023, SOK funds were used to purchase holiday gifts for 81 children from 37 families.
Giving Thanks for Onalaska School Staff
The Onalaska Education Foundation’s “Giving Thanks for Onalaska School Staff” is a tribute program that allows community members to recognize the amazing people in our schools and donate to a wonderful cause in our community. The Giving Thanks program celebrates our excellent teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, bus drivers, administrators, administrative assistants, coaches, school nurses, food service staff, school counselors, or any school staff.
With each donation, the honored school staff member will receive a certificate of appreciation with your name and personal note. You may also choose to remain anonymous. We will notify the honoree of your gift to the foundation without disclosing the amount.
All tax-deductible donations, large or small, are welcomed and appreciated. With your support, we can continue to make a difference!
Onalaska Education Foundation General Endowment
Donations to the Onalaska Education Foundation’s (OEF) General Endowment Fund are invested to provide long-term support for the OEF’s mission. While the annual returns from this fund can be used to provide programmatic and operational support for the OEF, the principal is held in perpetuity.
Claude Deck Grants Endowment
Donations to the Onalaska Education Foundation’s Claude Deck Grants Endowment Fund are invested to provide long-term support for the Claude Deck Grants program. While the annual returns from this fund can be used to support Claude Deck grants, the principal is held in perpetuity.
Acts of Kindness Endowment
The Onalaska Education Foundation’s Acts of Kindness Endowment Fund was created under the leadership of the late Peter Woerpel, beloved Onalaska Education Foundation board member, distinguished Onalaska educator and Onalaska High School principal, and amazing member of the La Crosse area community. Donations to the Acts of Kindness Endowment Fund are invested to provide long-term support for the Acts of Kindness (AOK) and Seasons of Kindness (SOK) programs. While the annual returns from this fund can be used to support the AOK and SOK programs, the principal is held in perpetuity.
If you prefer to make a donation by mail, please use the address below:
Onalaska Education Foundation
237 2nd Avenue South
Onalaska, WI 54650