About

About BEF

The Brea Education Foundation (BEF), a non-profit organization, was re-activated in 2005 to support the students of Brea’s public schools. BEF is committed to raising funds and developing resources to provide Brea’s students the tools and materials needed to maintain and advance their educational opportunities and achievements.

Our Mission

The Brea Education Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to developing resources to support a world-class school system that advances educational opportunities within the Brea community.

Board of Directors

The Brea Education Foundation is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors comprised of parents, community members and leaders, and alumni.

  • Diana Maldonado

    Chair

  • Brandie Runner

    Co-Chair

  • Abhishek Tiwari

    Secretary

  • Andrew Todd

    Treasurer

  • Ric Clough

    Board Member

  • Shirley Lee

    Board Member

  • Paul Ruiz

    School Board Representative

Advisory Council

To help the foundation achieve its mission, the Board of Directors solicits advice and expertise from community leaders in commerce, the professions, education, and the public arena through the Brea Education Foundation Advisory Council. By serving on the Council, you'll join a like-minded group of community leaders that will meet informally every other month. You may be asked to provide feedback on specific foundation activities or projects within your area of personal expertise. Additionally, the board will seek your assistance in developing relationships with individuals or organizations that can provide resources for achieving the foundation's purpose. If you're interested in serving on the foundation’s Advisory Council, sign up here.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following information is provided to answer many commonly asked questions about the Brea Education Foundation.

What is the Brea Education Foundation?
The Foundation was incorporated in 1982 and raised minimal funds for several years until it went dormant. Due to the current status of state funding for schools, the Foundation was reactivated to develop resources for instructional materials and infrastructure that support an academically strong school district, but for which there are no dedicated, ongoing funding streams.

How does the foundation raise its money?
The seeks financial commitments from businesses, philanthropic institutions, government sources, community members and parents. Additionally, to secure the resources necessary to achieve its mission, the Foundation seeks partnerships with corporations and organizations that can benefit the educational objectives of the district and students of Brea.

Will foundation monies go toward staff salaries?
 No. The Foundation is committed to supporting programs and initiatives that will have long-term impact on the education of all students in Brea. Because of the uncertainty in year to year fundraising, it would be imprudent to promise funds for projects specifically tied to ongoing salaries. The Foundation’s focus will be on projects that benefit the largest number of students district-wide providing instructional materials and one time purchases o equipment for long term benefit.

Will foundation-raised monies replace the need for PTO or booster fundraising?
 It is not the intent of the Foundation to replace the funds raised by the parent organizations at each school. The Foundation recognizes the significant contributions parent groups make to their campuses and does not intend to compete for those monies. The Foundation will concentrate on establishing partnerships with corporations and organizations to provide funds and in-kind donations of district-wide benefit.

Are donations to the foundation tax-deductible?
Yes. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.