The D38 Foundation was founded in 1994 to bolster the educational opportunities in Lewis-Palmer School District 38, the public-school district serving the Tri-Lakes communities. Although the Foundation became inactive in 2009, it maintained its 501(c)(3) status. In November 2022, a group of dedic ated community members revived it, and by Fall 2023 it relaunched its grant programs to once again support the district’s schools, staff, and students. The D38 Foundation operates independently from the school district itself. It is run entirely by volunteers — community members who believe in strengthening our schools. Less than 10% of funds are used for operating costs; more than 90% go directly into supporting students and staff. At its core, the Foundation’s mission is simple: “Elevate Education Through Community Connection.” How D38 supports schools: Grants community giving The Foundation provides funding in several ways: Through its “Inspire” grants, D38 helps support student learning and engagement — offering resources, programs, and special projects that go beyond what the standard district budget might cover. Through “Advance” grants, the Foundation invests in educator professional development and continuing education — helping teachers grow and bring the latest methods and ideas into classrooms. Through a program called “Adopt-D38”, donors may direct contributions to a teacher, a grade level, or a particular school — allowing for more tailored, meaningful support. This mix of grant-making and community-directed support allows the Foundation to supplement district funding, respond flexibly to needs, and foster creativity and excellence in the schools. To support these programs, you can donate at d38foundation.org. This year’s holiday fundraiser: Commemorative ornaments As part of its 2025 fundraising efforts, the D38 Foundation has launched a special campaign — selling commemorative ornaments for the holiday season. These ornaments honor the legacy of Grace Best Elementary School — a school once part of the district and now facing demolition. The artwork gracing the ornament comes from a student art competition. In fact, the artwork was created by Lilli Margen, a senior at Palmer Ridge High School. Each ornament is priced at $20, and all proceeds from their sale go directly toward the 2025–2026 “Advance” grant program, meaning they will be used to fund educator professional development and continuing education across the district. Ornaments are available at d38foundation.org. They will make fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers for anyone but especially for those who went there or had kids/grandkids who attended Grace Best. Or for all the local groups who called it home for so many years. Why it matters Buying one (or more) of these ornaments does more than decorate a tree — it helps local teachers learn, grow, and bring fresh ideas into their classrooms. For a community like ours, where the schools are often at the heart of neighborhood identity and pride, that impact resonates far beyond the holidays. By contributing through a symbolic purchase, community members join a larger effort to support the future by helping ensure that students across Lewis-Palmer District 38 benefit from enriched learning environments, inspired teaching, and strong classroom experiences. — Terri Hayes is the President CEO of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce as well as the vice president of the D38 Foundation Board of Directors. ...read more read less