Who We Are

THE FRIENDS OF E. RIVERS FOUNDATION, INC. is a domestic nonprofit corporation established in 2003 to support the well being of E. Rivers Elementary School.  Since 1917, the Atlanta public school, located at the corner of Peachtree Road and Peachtree Battle Avenue, has earned the affection and respect of its students, teachers and the grateful families whose lives have been touched by its educational excellence.  The surrounding community and the city of Atlanta as a whole derive significant benefits from the continuing vitality of E. Rivers as an outstanding educational option for Atlanta's children.  The FRIENDS OF E. RIVERS FOUNDATION, INC., a 501(c)(3) entity, exists to provide a vehicle for ensuring that this bulwark of strong community persists and flourishes.

It is important to note that the FOUNDATION is a separate entity from the E. Rivers PTA.  While operating on an annual budget, the PTA strives to enhance the school experience for students by supporting events such as Field Trips and Guest Speakers, The Fun Run, the Family Night Picnic and various facilities and/or curricular enhancements that are not covered by the financial constraints of the Federal, State and Local budgets.  Fundraisers such as The Book Fair, Gift Wrap and Christmas Tree Sales, along with individual family donations from current E Rivers families, provide the necessary funds for the PTA's annual budget.

Similar to colleges and other educational institutions, the FRIENDS OF E. RIVERS FOUNDATION, INC. is intended to be an underlying support for major endeavors that will benefit the school and the general well being of the students on a long-term, rather than an annual basis.  The FOUNDATION was established as a result of a very generous challenge gift from an anonymous donor for the purpose of creating a fund that would encourage others to give for many years to come.  The FOUNDATION accepts general donations and contributions as well as funds designated for specific projects.

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of Friends of E. Rivers Foundation, Inc. is to provide underlying support for major endeavors which will benefit E. Rivers Elementary School and the general well-being of the students on a long term basis. It serves as an alumni and community-based vehicle operating independently from the school and its PTA.

GUIDELINES FOR EXPENDITURES OF THE FOUNDATION

The expenditure enhances the experience of children served by E. Rivers Elementary School.

The expenditure enhances the well being of E. Rivers Elementary School and the community it serves.

The expenditure meets a need that is not addressed or that cannot be addressed by operational funds otherwise available to E. Rivers of its Parent-Teacher organization.

Although the Board retains discretion to use fund resources to address emergencies or short-term needs that fit the remaining criteria, as a general rule, FRIENDS OF E. RIVERS FOUNDATION, INC., seeks to focus its resources on opportunities for enhancing the long term delivery, stability and excellence of public education at E. Rivers.

The Board of Trustees is made up of E. Rivers alumni and former parents along with community members who have meaningful ties to the school. The principal and sitting PTA president serve as non-voting members.  Board members serve a three year term on a rotating basis and may serve consecutive terms.  A copy of the by-laws and articles of incorporation are available for review upon request.