Get involved
We're raising $10,000 this year to fund our first student. Every way to help is below, including one that costs nothing but the time it takes to fill in a form.
The plan for year one
Year-one goal$10,000
Every dollar raised goes into the Open Road Fund. Running the foundation, the fundraising, the marketing and the administrative work behind an award, is paid for by the founders. Anything raised past the goal carries into next year's fund rather than sitting still.
- September
Fundraising begins
The fund opens for the year. From this point every gift goes toward the first award.
- November
High school reunions fundraiser
Reunion season brings people back to West Chester. We make the case in person, to the people who went to these schools themselves.
- January
WCASD essay contest
A writing prize across the district. It raises money and it puts the fund in front of the students who might apply to it.
- March
Fundraising day with a local coffee shop
A day at a local shop, with the community invited to come by and give. The last push before the award is decided.
- April
First round of scholarships
The district committee and the founders read together, and the first award is made.
Give
One gift, one student, this year. There's no recurring giving at launch. When you give, it's once, and it goes toward the award.
Your gift is tax-deductible. We're a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 42-3704788, and you'll get a receipt for your records.
We can't take gifts online yet. The bank account and the donation platform are being set up, and this is the first thing we'll open.
Partner with us
For businesses, community organizations, and anyone who wants to give at a level that carries their name alongside ours.
Any amount up to $499
Founding Supporter
Your name listed on this site as part of the founding year. That list closes the day the first student is funded.
$500
Avenue Partner
Everything above, plus your logo on event signage, a newsletter mention, and an invitation to the annual supporter gathering.
$1,000
Boulevard Partner
Everything above, plus featured logo placement and a dedicated social spotlight.
$1,500 and up
Freeway Partner
Everything above, plus the option to co-brand an event or initiative, and first invitation to corporate match conversations.
Recognition on printed materials and at events depends on what we produce this year. We'll tell you what's real before you commit.
Giving in kind counts too. Goods, space, printing, food for an event, professional time. Anything that lowers what the fund spends does the same work as a gift. If none of the tiers above fit how you want to help, tell us what you had in mind and we'll work it out with you.
Employer matching
Many employers match charitable gifts from their staff, which can double what you give at no extra cost to you. Ask your HR team for their matching gift form.
You'll need:
- Legal nameThe Open Road Foundation
- EIN42-3704788
- Address1427 Clover Lane, West Chester, PA 19380-5906
Newsletter
One email when there's something real to report: the application opening, a student funded, the year's total. That's it, and we won't pass your address to anyone.
Tick the news box on the form below and you're on it. There's no separate signup to fill in.
Tell us you're interested
Questions from donors
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. We're a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and you'll get a receipt for your records.
Can I give monthly?
Not at launch. A gift is a one-time thing for now. Recurring giving arrives when there's a reason for it.
What if you raise more than $10,000?
It seeds next year's fund. Anything past the goal carries into the next cycle.
Who runs this?
Five people from West Chester, named with our roles on the About us page.
This is the year it starts.
We're raising the first award now, and giving it to one WCASD student by the end of the school year.