Henry County Public Schools Foundation Launches 100-Day ‘Give First’ Campaign to Support Public Education

HENRY COUNTY, GA – The Henry County Public Schools Foundation (HCPSF) will launch its 100-day Give First campaign on June 1 and invites community members to be among the first to contribute to its emerging efforts to shape the future of public education in Henry County.

Henry County Schools established HCPSF in February to provide philanthropic support to enrich the learning experience and enhance educational outcomes across the district.

The Give First campaign marks the foundation’s first public-driven fundraising effort amidst its rapidly growing momentum toward harnessing community partnerships to build sustainable support for students, teachers, schools, and families.

“Every dollar raised will go toward initiatives that strengthen our schools and promote student achievement,” said Foundation Director Dr. Maria A. Lumpkin. “However, the Give First campaign is more than a fundraising effort. It is a call to action for those who believe in the power of public education, our students’ capabilities, the impact our teachers make every day, and that educating our students is truly a community effort.”

The 100-day giving initiative encourages residents, alumni, businesses, and other community partners to actively contribute to programs and resources that benefit the district’s teachers and nearly 43,000 students. Donations will specifically support the Foundation’s funding priorities, including student scholarships, teacher innovation and professional development, and community engagement.

“Henry County Schools has always recognized and welcomed the community’s role in student success, and the Give First campaign reflects the power of collective investment in our students,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps strengthen the foundation we’re building for future generations.”

The campaign aligns with the foundation’s mission to enrich and enhance the educational experience across the district, ensuring the district’s vision of a high-quality, world-class education for every student.

“The Give First campaign offers a meaningful opportunity for the public to partner with us to ensure our students have the resources they need to thrive,” said HCPSF Board of Trustees President Holly Cobb. “The community’s contributions will go a long way in furthering the district’s work to empower every student with exceptional educational opportunities.”

To honor the generosity of all donors and their commitment to empowering HCS students with opportunities and access, the foundation has instituted the following donor categories:

• Friend of Henry County Schools: $25 - $99
• Classroom Champion: $100 - $249
• Champion for Teachers: $250 - $499
• Principals’ Circle: $500 - $999
• Superintendent’s Society: $1,000 - $4,999
• HCS Benefactor: $5,000 - $24,999
• HCS Legacy Builder: $25,000 and above

All donors to the Give First campaign will be recognized on a commemorative donor wall on the foundation’s website, reflecting the community’s collective commitment to advancing excellence in public education.

“Public education is a shared responsibility,” said Henry County Board of Education Chair Sophe Pope (Dist. 4). “Choosing to give first demonstrates that education remains a top priority for Henry County residents. The Give First Campaign is a galvanizing initiative, enabling friends and neighbors to directly impact the future of children who live in their community. To be part of such a transformative movement empowers not only our students and teachers, but all who participate.”

Visit the foundation’s website to learn about its Mission, Vision, and ways to give, as you prepare to join the 100-day giving event, or contact (770) 957-6601 (ext. 04190) or HCPSFoundation@henry.k12.ga.us for more information.